Placebo Effect of Immediate Kinesio Taping on Upper Extremity Performance in Healthy Adults

Overview

This study investigates whether Kinesio Taping has immediate effects on upper extremity performance in healthy adults and whether these effects may be influenced by placebo mechanisms. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups: therapeutic Kinesio Taping, sham Kinesio Taping, or no intervention. All participants complete tests of hand function, including grip strength, typing performance, reaction time, and manual dexterity, before and after a short standardized waiting period. Participants also rate their perceived performance, comfort, and overall change. The purpose of this study is to determine whether improvements in performance are due to the mechanical effects of the tape or related to sensory and expectation-based (placebo) factors.

This study is a single-blind, three-arm randomized controlled trial designed to investigate the immediate effects of Kinesio Taping on upper extremity motor performance and perceived function in healthy adults, and to explore the potential contribution of placebo-related mechanisms. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups: therapeutic Kinesio Taping applied with tension, sham Kinesio Taping applied without tension, or a no-intervention control condition. The intervention targets the wrist extensor musculature of the dominant upper extremity. Both taping conditions follow the same application procedure and positioning, differing only in the level of tension to isolate the mechanical versus perceptual effects of the tape. The control group follows the same testing timeline without receiving any intervention. Outcome measures are collected at baseline and immediately after a standardized 20-minute waiting period. Objective measures include maximal grip strength, typing performance, choice reaction time, and manual dexterity. Subjective measures include perceived performance, task ease, comfort, and global rating of change. The study is conducted in a controlled and standardized testing environment with consistent equipment, procedures, and instructions across participants. This design allows for the comparison of objective performance outcomes with subjective perceptions, providing insight into the relationship between mechanical and placebo effects in Kinesio Taping applications.