Behavior of muscle architecture and flexibility with the use of kinesiotape in shortened gastrocnemius muscles in young subjects: randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Objetive: To analyze the effects of kinesiotape on the architecture and flexibility of shortened gastrocnemius muscles in young subjects during three days of application. Method: Twenty-five sedentary youth with shortening of the gastrocnemius muscle were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG=13) intervened with KT for 72 hours and to a control group (CG=12). The flexibility of gastrocnemius and soleus was evaluated. The muscular architecture, represented in the length of the fascicle, thickness and angle of muscular pennation, was evaluated with a Mode B ultrasound in both groups. To determine the effects of KT, a t-test was applied. All analyzes were with a significance of p <0.05. Results: The ultrasonographic results showed a significant increase in the length of the muscular fascicle (p=0.021), and a decrease in the thickness (p=0.037) and pennation angle (p=0.026) post-intervention muscle with KT in the EG. The flexibility of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles increased compared to the application of KT but without significant changes. There were no differences in the analysis between the EG and CG. Conclusion: The application of KT in subjects with shortening of gastrocnemius, allows a better muscular flexibility on the third day of use, possibly favored by a modification in the muscular architecture.