Objectives: To analyze the effects of kinesio taping (KT) -applied with three different strains that induced or not the formation of skin creases (called convolutions)- on color intensity of post-surgical superficial hematomas.
Design: Single-blind paired study.
Setting: Rehabilitation clinic.
Participants: A convenience sample of 13 inpatients with post-surgical superficial hematomas.
Interventions: The tape was applied for 24 consecutive hours. Three tails of KT were randomly applied with different degrees of strain: none (SN); light (SL); and full longitudinal stretch (SF). We expected to obtain correct formation of convolutions with SL, some convolutions with SN, and no convolutions with SF.
Main outcome measures: The change in color intensity of hematomas, measured by means of polar coordinates CIE L*a*b* using a validated and standardized digital images system.
Results: Applying KT to hematomas did not significantly change the color intensity in the central area under the tape (p > 0.05). There was a significant treatment effect (p < 0.05) under the edges of the tape, independently of the formation of convolutions (p > 0.05).
Conclusions: The changes observed along the edges of the tape could be related to the formation of a pressure gradient between the KT and the adjacent area, but were not dependent on the formation of skin convolutions.
Keywords: Bruise; Hematoma; Physical therapy; Tape.
Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.