Effectiveness of Kinesio Taping on Pulmonary Function and Respiratory Muscle Performance in Healthy Adult Males

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the immediate effects of Kinesio taping on pulmonary function and respiratory pressure in healthy adult men. Methods: This study involved 30 healthy men, who were randomly assigned to a control group with no taping (n = 10), an intercostal taping group (n = 10), and a diaphragm taping group (n = 10). Pulmonary function was assessed by measuring the forced expiratory volume (FEV), FEV in 1 s (FEV1), maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP). Results: No significant differences were found in the FEV and FEV1 across or within the groups. However, significant improvements were observed in the MIP and MEP within the intercostal taping group and between this group and the other groups. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that Kinesio taping does not induce significant changes in the overall pulmonary function. However, it significantly enhances the MIP and MEP. These findings propose that intercostal Kinesio taping is a viable therapeutic intervention for patients with diminished inspiratory and expiratory pressures.