Kinesiotape could potentially be used to help recruit underactive muscles.
A new study recruited 40 athletes and had them perform jumping tests. Half the subjects received Kinesiotape while the other half were given a sham taping procedure. Glute medius strength was found to be significantly higher after receiving the Kinesiotape but not the sham tape. This strength increase was still present three days after application.
Furthermore, immediately after receiving the Kinesiotape, the athletes exhibited less knee valgus during the jump test. Three days later, however, the Kinesiotape group showed no differences in knee valgus.
Conclusions
Many people have debated whether or not Kinesiotape provides anything more than a placebo. This interesting study suggests that there may be some benefit of using taping procedures if used in the appropriate context.
References