Immediate effects of Kinesio Taping ® on respiratory parameters in healthy individuals

Kinesio taping® (KT) could facilitate respiratory muscle contraction, improving breathing. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the immediate effects of KT application on thoracoabdominal mobility, vital capacity, and respiratory muscle strength of healthy young individuals. This clinical trial included 19 healthy individuals, measuring their maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressure, vital capacity, and thoracoabdominal mobility using cirtometry. Participants were evaluated, and KT was applied below the xiphoid process; then, they were reassessed 15 min after the application. The thoracoabdominal mobility did not significantly change the axillar (84.2 ± 6.6 cm vs 83.6 ± 6.1 cm; p = 0.116), xiphoid process (74.2 ± 8.8 cm vs 74.2 ± 8.63 cm; p = 0.805), and umbilical (73.7 ± 8.1 cm vs 74.2 ± 8.35 cm; p = 0.344) circumferences. Additionally, the vital capacity (3.8 ± 1.0 L vs 3.5 ± 1.3 L; p = 0.097), the maximal inspiratory pressure (−85.3 ± 31.7 cmH2O vs −79.5 ± 34.7 cmH2O; p = 0.265), and maximal expiratory pressure (63.9 ± 31.8 cmH2O vs 59.5 ± 36.1 cmH2O; p = 0.277) were not significantly different. KT showed no immediate effect on thoracoabdominal mobility, vital capacity, and respiratory muscle strength of healthy young adults. Future studies should investigate the effects of KT applied for a longer time (i.e., long-term effects). Furthermore, individuals with respiratory diseases could be evaluated, especially those presenting dysfunction in the rib cage morphology. •Kinesio Taping® does not improve ventilatory parameters after 15 min of application.•Kinesio Taping® effects should be studied in patients with respiratory diseases.•Results do not support the routine use of Kinesio Taping® to improve respiratory outcomes.