Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41799874›Full record

SynthesisCanadian journal of respiratory therapy : CJRT = Revue canadienne de la therapie respiratoire : RCTR2026

The effect of kinesiology tape on respiratory function in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Charlene du Plessis, Rubine De Beer-Brandon, Diphale Joyce Mothabeng, Anri Human

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Canadian journal of respiratory therapy : CJRT = Revue canadienne de la therapie respiratoire : RCTR, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Charlene du PlessisPhysiotherapy Department University of Pretoria.
Rubine De Beer-BrandonPhysiotherapy Department University of Pretoria.
Diphale Joyce MothabengPhysiotherapy Department University of Pretoria.
Anri HumanPhysiotherapy Department University of Pretoria.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background: Kinesiology taping may enhance respiratory function in various adult populations; however, current evidence remains limited. This systematic review aimed to review the existing literature on the effects of kinesiology tape on respiratory function in two adult cohorts. Methods: Studies involving adults (≥18 years), including healthy individuals and those with respiratory conditions, were considered. A comprehensive search was conducted using Cochrane methodology across eight electronic databases, a search engine, grey literature sources, and reference lists, guided by PICOS-based keywords. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool, ROBINS-I, and Grades of Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria were used to assess the risk of bias and evidence certainty. Results: Eighteen studies were included: eight involving healthy adults and athletes, and 10 focusing on adults with respiratory conditions. A total of 684 participants were enrolled in these studies, comprising 316 healthy individuals and 368 adults with respiratory conditions. Discussion: Respiratory function, cough efficacy, and muscle strength improved mainly in healthy adults, with clinical benefits noted in those with respiratory conditions. The meta-analysis showed no significant effect of kinesiology tape on respiratory function in either healthy adults or those with respiratory conditions. Most of the included studies presented a high risk of bias, and the certainty of evidence was very low. Conclusion: Evidence supporting the use of kinesiology taping to enhance respiratory function in healthy adults and individuals with respiratory conditions remains limited. Further well-designed, condition-specific clinical trials are needed before routine inclusion in respiratory care can be recommended.

Indexed as

adultskinesiology taperespiratory conditionsrespiratory function

Identifiers

PMID41799874
PMCPMC12967087

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.