Kinesio Taping does not decrease swelling in acute, lateral ankle sprain of athletes

This study sought to determine whether Kinesio Taping reduces swelling in athletes who have suffered an acute, lateral ankle sprain. The experimental group was administered Kinesio Taping application for 3 days, which was designed to treat swelling. The control group received an inert Kinesio Taping application. At 3 days after intervention, there weren’t any differences between groups for swelling in volumetry (MD -2ml, 95% CI -28 to 32); perimetry (MD 0.2cm, 95% CI -0.6 to 1.0); relative volumetry (MD 0.0cm, 95% CI -0.1 to 0.1); and the other analyses. At day 15 follow-up, there were no significant between-group differences in outcomes.

The application of Kinesio Taping, with the objective of stimulating the lymphatic system, is not effective in decreasing acute swelling after an ankle sprain in athletes.