Kinesio Taping in Obesity: Breathing and Sleep Implications

Official title

Effects of Thoracic Kinesio Taping on Pulmonary Function, Respiratory Muscle Strength, and Sleep Quality in Obese and Overweight Individuals

Overview

Obesity, defined as excessive fat accumulation, is a chronic, complex, and global health issue. It is increasingly prevalent worldwide and is considered a disease that requires treatment. According to recent data, 43% of adults aged 18 and over were classified as overweight, and 16% as obese. In Turkey, a national health survey reported that among individuals aged 15 and above, 20.2% were obese, and 35.6% were in a pre-obese state based on their body mass index (BMI). The effects of excess weight on health are significant, as weight gain shortens life expectancy and reduces quality of life. Obesity has detrimental effects on many systems, including the respiratory system. It reduces the compliance of the lungs and chest wall, alters respiratory patterns and ventilation-perfusion relationships, impairs gas exchange, and decreases lung volumes. In some individuals, respiratory control is altered due to the effects of adipokines, which can lead to hypoventilation and increased levels of carbon dioxide in the blood (hypercapnia). Obesity affects the respiratory system both symptomatically (e.g., shortness of breath) and functionally. Respiratory function disorders in individuals with obesity may include decreased functional residual capacity (FRC), expiratory reserve volume (ERV), and, in some cases, reduced total lung capacity (TLC). Additionally, obesity is a health issue that affects sleep quality. There are three proposed bidirectional relationships: obesity causes poor sleep, poor sleep contributes to obesity, and both may coexist. Individuals with obesity often report poor sleep quality and sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. The primary function of the respiratory system is gas exchange, which is closely related to the mechanical properties of the respiratory pump. The functionality of this pump depends on the interaction of the lungs, abdominal wall, ribs, intercostal muscles, and the diaphragm. In diseases that impair the structure of the diaphragm, improving its function can alleviate symptoms and significantly enhance pulmonary function test results. Kinesiology taping (KT), an elastic therapeutic taping method, is commonly used for musculoskeletal disorders but has a wide range of clinical applications. Kinesiology tapes are reported to support weak muscles, increase circulation, reduce pain by stimulating the neurological system, provide proprioceptive feedback, and correct joint misalignments. The mechanism by which KT influences muscle strength depends on the application technique, which can either enhance or inhibit muscle activation. The underlying mechanism is explained by the stimulation of sensory-motor and proprioceptive systems, aiming to improve muscle function through enhanced neuromuscular feedback. Kinesiology taping has also shown potential benefits in respiratory conditions by improving diaphragm function, reducing respiratory muscle fatigue, and enhancing overall respiratory mechanics. Understanding the effects of thoracic kinesiology taping on respiratory function, vital signs, sleep, quality of life, and cognitive functions in individuals with obesity is of great importance for physiotherapists and researchers. The findings from this study may provide valuable insights for developing comprehensive rehabilitation programs and improving the health status of individuals with obesity. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of thoracic kinesiology taping on respiratory functions, respiratory muscle strength, vital signs, sleep, quality of life, and cognitive status in individuals with obesity.

Interventions

• Other Kinesiology Taping
  For thoracic kinesiology taping (KT), a 5 cm wide, 100% cotton, latex-free elastic tape will be used. Application sites will follow the technique and principles described by Kase. Participants will sit upright in an armless chair with knees at 90° flexion, feet flat on the floor, and arms relaxed. The tape will be applied to the front and back of the body to facilitate respiratory muscles, primarily the diaphragm. On the anterior side, an "I"-shaped strip will be applied with 50-75% tension at
• Other Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises
  Participants in the control group will receive diaphragmatic breathing exercises. Exercises will be taught and supervised by a physiotherapist. Sessions will be conducted twice weekly for four weeks, and participants will be instructed to continue home practice between sessions.

Primary outcome measures

• Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) [Time frame: At baseline (before the intervention) and at the end of the 4th week of intervention]
• Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1) [Time frame: At baseline (before the intervention) and at the end of the 4th week of intervention]
• FEV1/FVC Ratio [Time frame: At baseline (before the intervention) and at the end of the 4th week of intervention]
• Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) [Time frame: At baseline (before the intervention) and at the end of the 4th week of intervention]
• Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) [Time frame: Baseline and Week 4 (Post-Intervention)]
• Maximal Expiratory Pressure (MEP) [Time frame: Baseline and Week 4 (Post-Intervention)]
• Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) Total Score [Time frame: Baseline and Week 4 (Post-Intervention)]

Secondary outcome measures (5)

• Heart Rate (HR) [Time frame: Baseline, Week 4 (Post-Intervention), and Daily During Weeks 1-4]
• Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂) [Time frame: Baseline, Week 4 (Post-Intervention), and Daily During Weeks 1-4]
• Blood Pressure (Systolic and Diastolic) [Time frame: Baseline, Week 4 (Post-Intervention), and Daily During Weeks 1-4]
• Obesity-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (OQOLQ) Total Score [Time frame: Baseline and Week 4 (Post-Intervention)]
• Auditory-Visual Number Sequence Test (GİSDT) Total Score [Time frame: Baseline and Week 4 (Post-Intervention)]

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion criteria

• Being between 18 and 70 years of age
• Being overweight or classified as class 1 or class 2 obese based on BMI
• Having the ability to follow instructions and participate in study procedures
• Being able to speak and understand Turkish

Exclusion criteria

• Having an acute or chronic pulmonary or respiratory disease
• Having an uncontrolled chronic illness
• Having an allergic reaction to kinesiology tape
• Refusing to participate in the study

Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.

Healthy volunteers: No

Study design

Allocation

Randomized

Model

Parallel assignment

Masking

Single blind

Primary purpose

Treatment

Study locations

Turkey (Türkiye) · 1 center

• Istınye University, Istanbul, — Istanbul

Identifiers

NCT: NCT07012967 · ISU-2025-004

Primary sources (government registries)

• ClinicalTrials.gov (US NIH)

View this study on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗