ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:Kinesio taping is commonly used,but there is a lack of rigorous and scientific research,especially in biomechanics and exercise.OBJECTIVE:To overview the biomechanics characteristics of the ankle joint after treatment with kinesio taping,and to summarize the biomechanics difference in kinematics,kinetics,and electromyography of the ankle joint between non-kinesio and kinesio taping.METHODS:Ovid Medline,Elsevier SDOL,PubMed and CNKI databases were retrieved for the Chinese and English literatures concerning the biomechanics and exercise performance of kinesio taping published before December 2015.Subsequently,all literatures were classified according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine Levels of Evidence.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Most of literatures support the viewpoint that kinesio taping can improve ankle joint stability,increase the arch height and decrease the external load of key muscles of the ankles and feet.Some studies have suggested that during landing,kinesio taping shortened the duration of the peak of support reaction forces,reduced the flexion force,and increased the loading rate of lower extremities,thereby resulting in an increased risk for injury.Other studies have shown that kinesio taping increases the recruitment of motor units and changes the order of neuromuscular contraction,but it cannot improve the athletic performance,and even decrease the athletic performance in most cases.Whether kinesio taping improves muscular force,increases the muscular performance,and increases the power of lower extremities is under discussion;hence,in-depth studies are needed in the future.