Origin to Insertion or Insertion to Origin, Does it Matter? with Ane Lloyd

Summary

In this episode of the VetMe rehabilitation podcast, Megan Kelly and An Lloyd explore the effectiveness of kinesiology tape in veterinary rehabilitation. They delve into human-based research studies examining whether the direction of tape application—origin to insertion versus insertion to origin—can facilitate or inhibit muscle function. Despite popular belief, multiple studies reveal that kinesiology tape doesn't significantly improve muscle tone, strength, or function, whether in humans or animals. The podcast emphasizes the importance of questioning the goals of treatment and using the best tools, rather than relying solely on kinesiology tape, especially for muscle atrophy or strength improvement.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kinesiology tape's direction of application (origin to insertion vs. insertion to origin) is debated, with research showing mixed results on its ability to facilitate or inhibit muscle function.
• 😀 Several studies have shown that kinesiology tape does not significantly affect muscle strength or range of motion, particularly in healthy individuals without injury.
• 😀 The application of kinesiology tape with horizontal strips can increase muscle strength, even though it is typically used to inhibit muscle function.
• 😀 Different amounts of tension applied to kinesiology tape (e.g., 0%, 10%, 75%) do not show a significant impact on muscle strength or function.
• 😀 Kinesiology tape may improve joint control and management of conditions like muscle atrophy but does not seem to directly facilitate muscle contraction or strength in most cases.
• 😀 A study involving quadriceps muscle and joint control found no increase in concentric or eccentric peak torque, though joint control was positively affected by the tape.
• 😀 Kinesiology tape is particularly useful for managing pain, addressing muscle atrophy, and treating trigger points rather than directly strengthening muscles.
• 😀 The belief that kinesiology tape can consistently facilitate muscle function (via origin to insertion application) is not well-supported by research, especially in human studies.
• 😀 Research on kinesiology tape’s effects is primarily based on human studies, as there are limited studies involving animals, especially in the field of veterinary rehabilitation.
• 😀 Veterinary rehabilitation therapists should assess the underlying causes of muscle issues (like pain or injury) and tailor their treatment plans accordingly, using kinesiology tape as part of a broader strategy.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the VetMe Rehabilitation podcast?

The main focus of the VetMe Rehabilitation podcast is to help veterinary rehabilitation therapists increase their knowledge and elevate their practice by providing insights, research, and information related to veterinary rehabilitation.

Does the direction of kinesiology tape application matter for muscle function?

Yes, the podcast explores the question of whether the direction of kinesiology tape application—whether from origin to insertion or from insertion to origin—affects muscle function, with a focus on facilitating or inhibiting muscle activity. However, the research presented challenges the traditional views on this.

What does kinesiology tape aim to achieve when applied in specific directions?

Kinesiology tape is believed to facilitate or inhibit muscle function depending on its application direction. The conventional wisdom suggests that an origin-to-insertion application facilitates muscle function, while insertion-to-origin inhibits it.

What did the 2014 study by Gomez Serriano and colleagues find about kinesiology tape’s effect on muscle tone?

The 2014 study found that kinesiology tape did not have a significant effect on healthy muscle tone, extensibility, or strength when applied to the gastromus muscle. There were no significant differences in passive range of motion, muscle strength, or EMG activity.

What was the outcome of the 2022 study by Maria Lopez on the direction of kinesiology tape application?

The 2022 study found that a facilitatory kinesiology tape application (origin to insertion) increased muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity in the flexor muscles of the wrist and fingers, while the inhibitory application (insertion to origin) did not affect these properties.

Did the 2016 study on the biceps brachii show any significant change in muscle force after kinesiology tape application?

The 2016 study found no difference in biceps brachii peak force after applying kinesiology tape in either a proximal-to-distal or distal-to-proximal direction. Interestingly, the only significant increase in force was seen with a horizontal eye strip application, which was supposed to inhibit muscle function.

How did kinesiology tape affect muscle strength and knee range of motion in the 2018 study on the rectus femoris?

The 2018 study found no significant differences in muscle strength or knee range of motion after applying kinesiology tape with different tensions or directions (origin to insertion or insertion to origin). The study suggested that kinesiology tape may not be effective for improving muscle strength or range of motion in this context.

What did the 2024 study on quadriceps muscle torque and joint repositioning reveal about kinesiology tape?

The 2024 study showed that kinesiology tape applied from insertion to origin decreased active joint control, while origin to insertion decreased both active and passive joint control. However, neither application significantly affected concentric or eccentric peak torque in the quadriceps muscle.

What is the key takeaway from the systematic review and meta-analysis on kinesiology tape’s effect on muscle strength in athletes?

The systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that kinesiology tape does not improve muscle strength in athletes, whether they have musculoskeletal injuries or not. The review suggests that other interventions may be more effective for improving muscle strength in these populations.

Why does the host emphasize questioning the use of kinesiology tape in rehabilitation?

The host emphasizes questioning the use of kinesiology tape as a tool for muscle facilitation or strengthening, arguing that while kinesiology tape is useful for managing pain or treating trigger points, it is not an effective primary tool for reversing muscle atrophy or improving muscle function. The host suggests that the root causes of muscle dysfunction should be addressed through other therapeutic approaches.