A Comparison of Structural and Tensile Performance of Kinesiology Tapes

Ho-yi Fung1#, Kit-lun Yick1*, Sun-pui Ng2

(*Corresponding author #Presenting author)1Institute of Textiles and Clothing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong2Hong Kong Community College, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong

Kinesiology (KT) Tape

Therapeutic benefits: impose tensile force onto

joints and muscles

Clinical practiceSports settings

Tension

Light tape tension (0% - 15%):

Tendon and lymphatic correction

Moderate tape tension (25%):

For treating fascia,increasing circulation and stimulating, andinhibiting muscle activity

High tape tension (75%-100%):

Tendon or ligament treatment

Source: KT Tape

Theory

Lift the skin from the underlying fascia

Interstitial space Blood and lymph flows

Strain Inflammation of the body tissues; repaired

About the Study

KnesioTex Classic ATEX 3M FUTURO

Aim: Compare the 1) structural properties and 2) mechanical tensile behaviour

of different types of KT tapes

Background: Different brands of KT tapes may have different mechanical properties

Clinician should have a good understanding of the material properties so as to prescribe the most suitable tension for treatment effectiveness.

Structural Properties

Fabric and Adhesive Layer Structures KinesioTex Classic 3M FUTUROATEX

Fabric

Adhesive

Design and pattern of adhesive layer

Fabric Test: Thickness, Weight and Density

*Density = Warp-ends/inch x Weft-ends/inch

Kinesio Tex Classic ATEX 3M FUTURO

FibreContent 100%co'on 97%co'on -

Thickness(mm)Stress:4gf/cm2 0.58 0.6 0.58

Weight(g/100cm2) 2.011 2.190 2.257

Density*(ends/inch) 35x58 34x63 32x32

YarnCount(Warp) 0.64 1.70 1.47

Fabric Test: Thickness, Weight and Density

*Density = Warp-ends/inch x Weft-ends/inch

Kinesio Tex Classic ATEX 3M FUTURO

FibreContent 100%co'on 97%co'on -

Thickness(mm)Stress:4gf/cm2 0.58 0.6 0.58

Weight(g/100cm2) 2.011 2.190 2.257

Density*(ends/inch) 35x58 34x63 32x32

YarnCount(Warp) 0.64 1.70 1.47

THINNEST, LIGHTEST,

LOWEST yarn count thus HIGH yarn density

Overall: the BEST

Mechanical Tensile Behaviour

Instron 4411 Tensile Tester

ISO standard: 13934-1

Gauge length: 100mmRate of elongation: 100%/minRate of extension: 100mm/min

Sample size: 50mm x 200mmTesting area: 50mm x 100mm

Test specimen

50mm

50mm100mm

Testing Conditions

1) Tensile behaviour before stretching

2) Changes in tensile behaviour at stress of 30% with 1, 4, 8 and 24 hours

*loads (N) at the strains of 10%, 30%, 50%, 70% and 100%*

Tensile Behaviour BEOFRE STRETCHING

Stress (MPa)10-3 under tensile strains of 10%, 30%, 50%, 70% and 100% (PRIOR to elongation)

(MPa)10-3 Kinesio Tex Classic ATEX 3M Futuro10% 0.134 0.152 0.13630% 0.392 0.366 0.36650% 0.784 0.678 0.84270% 1.928 1.386 2.400100% 21.456 13.574 30.716

Stress (MPa)10-3 under tensile strains of 10%, 30%, 50%, 70% and 100% (PRIOR to elongation)

(MPa)10-3 Kinesio Tex Classic ATEX 3M FUTURO10% 0.134 0.152 0.13630% 0.392 0.366 0.36650% 0.784 0.678 0.84270% 1.928 1.386 2.400100% 21.456 13.574 30.716

Strain >70%: stress significantlySimilar trend: Boonkerd and Limroongreungrat (2016)

- Application: beware of the force differences amoung brands

Stress (MPa)10-3 under tensile strains of 10%, 30%, 50%, 70% and 100% (PRIOR to elongation)

(MPa)10-3 Kinesio Tex Classic ATEX 3M FUTURO10% 0.134 0.152 0.13630% 0.392 0.366 0.36650% 0.784 0.678 0.84270% 1.928 1.386 2.400100% 21.456 13.574 30.716

3M Futuro

High stress-strain performance

LOWER complianceHIGHER stiffness

Strain >70%: stress significantlySimilar trend: Boonkerd and Limroongreungrat (2016)

Lack of comfortLimitation of body and joint movement

- Application: use lower strain instead of

following the KT tape standard

- Application: beware of the force differences amoung brands

Changes in Tensile Behaviour at STRESS of 30%

with 1, 4, 8 and 24 HOURS

Changes in tensile behaviour (MPa)10-3of KinesioTex prior to elongation and at elongation of 30% with time

(MPa)10-3 10% 30% 50% 70% 100%Priortoelonga?on 0.134 0.392 0.784 1.928 21.556

1hour 0.13 0.324 0.684 1.76 18.587

4hours 0.134 0.322 0.726 2.318 22.609

8hours 0.08 0.256 0.526 1.572 13.678

24hours 0.106 0.294 0.62 1.868 22.191

Changes in tensile behaviour (MPa)10-3of KinesioTex prior to elongation and at elongation of 30% with time

(MPa)10-3 10% 30% 50% 70% 100%Priortoelonga?on 0.134 0.392 0.784 1.928 21.556

1hour 0.13 0.324 0.684 1.76 18.587

4hours 0.134 0.322 0.726 2.318 22.609

8hours 0.08 0.256 0.526 1.572 13.678

24hours 0.106 0.294 0.62 1.868 22.191

Tensile behaviour

Constant without much stiffening in terms of compliance

8 hours: slightly lower slope

Implication

Finer and denser fabric structure(lower yarn count, higher warp density) provide a sturdier hold that withstand strain

Changes in tensile behaviour (MPa)10-3of ATEX prior to elongation and at elongation of 30% with time

(MPa)10-3 10% 30% 50% 70% 100%

Priortoelonga?on 0.152 0.366 0.678 1.386 13.574

1hour 0.12 0.282 0.534 1.314 15.208

4hours 0.12 0.282 0.566 1.824 23.566

8hours 0.11 0.256 0.52 0.992 11.948

24hours 0.106 0.268 0.55 2.066 28.106

Changes in tensile behaviour (MPa)10-3of ATEX prior to elongation and at elongation of 30% with time

(MPa)10-3 10% 30% 50% 70% 100%

Priortoelonga?on 0.152 0.366 0.678 1.386 13.574

1hour 0.12 0.282 0.534 1.314 15.208

4hours 0.12 0.282 0.566 1.824 23.566

8hours 0.11 0.256 0.52 0.992 11.948

24hours 0.106 0.268 0.55 2.066 28.106

Tensile behaviour

Lower compliance after prolonged extension at 30%

1, 8 hour(s): resemble the tensile behaviour prior to elongation

4, 24 hours: in stress at a strain > 70%

reduced compliance with time

Application

Avoid long hour use

Changes in tensile behaviour (MPa)10-3of 3M Futuro prior to elongation and at elongation of 30% with time

(MPa)10-3 10% 30% 50% 70% Maximum LoadPriortoelonga?on

0.136 0.366 0.842 2.4 100.71% 31.408

1hour 0.122 0.44 1.288 6.708 99.64% 34.898

4hours 0.128 0.468 2.1 16.032 78.14% 29.592

8hours 0.126 0.388 2.006 14.434 79.80% 22.934

24hours 0.114 0.376 1.546 10.758 85.80% 28.187

Changes in tensile behaviour (MPa)10-3of 3M Futuro prior to elongation and at elongation of 30% with time

(MPa)10-3 10% 30% 50% 70% Maximum LoadPriortoelonga?on

0.136 0.366 0.842 2.4 100.71% 31.408

1hour 0.122 0.44 1.288 6.708 99.64% 34.898

4hours 0.128 0.468 2.1 16.032 78.14% 29.592

8hours 0.126 0.388 2.006 14.434 79.80% 22.934

24hours 0.114 0.376 1.546 10.758 85.80% 28.187

Tensile behaviour

Tensile strain with prolonged use

50% or above: sharply in stress

At around 75%: rupture

Application

Avoid long hour use

Use lower strain instead of following the KT tape standard

strain stress

Conclusion

High strain of 70% or greater:

Stress significantly increases and varies amoung brands and with

time.

Lack of comfortLimitation of body and joint movement

Kinesio Tex Classic:

Stable tensile behaviour

ATEX, 3M Futuro:

compliance with timePhysical therapists need to bear in mind the force with respect to the different

brands, as well as the practical need of their patients for optimal treatment

efficacy.

Future Studies

number of brands and test specimens per

trial

provide a more complete picture of the properties of the different types of KT tapes in the

market

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the Departmental General Research Grant of the Institute of Textiles and Clothing of the Hong Kong

Polytechnic University (PolyU G-UA5W).

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