24732169
OBJECTIVE	To investigate the short-term effect of a mixed Kinesio taping ( KT ) model on range of ankle motion ( ROAM ) , gait , pain , perimeter of lower limbs , and quality of life in postmenopausal women with chronic venous insufficiency ( CVI ) .
METHODS	Double-blinded , randomized controlled trial .
METHODS	Clinical setting .
METHODS	Consecutive postmenopausal women ( N = 130 ; mean age SD , 65.4414.7 y ) with mild CVI .
METHODS	No participant withdrew because of adverse effects .
METHODS	Participants were randomly assigned to either ( 1 ) an experimental group to receive a mixed KT-compression treatment following KT recommendations for gastrocnemius muscle enhancement and functional correction of the ankle , and adding 2 tapes to simulate traditional compression bandages ( no KT guidelines ) ; or ( 2 ) a placebo control group for sham KT .
METHODS	Both interventions were performed 3 times a week during a 4-week period .
METHODS	ROAM , gait , pain , perimeter of right and left lower limb , and quality of life were assessed at baseline and 48 hours posttreatment .
RESULTS	Quality of life was better in the intervention group by a mean of 8.76 points ( 95 % confidence interval [ CI ] , 4.96-12 .55 ) .
RESULTS	The experimental group also showed significant pre - / posttreatment improvements in both lower limbs in gait dorsiflexion ROAM ( 95 % CI , 1.02-2 .49 ) , cadence ( 95 % CI , 3.45-1 .47 ) , stride length ( 95 % CI , 21.48-10 .83 ) , step length ( 95 % CI , 1.68-6 .61 ) , stance phase ( 95 % CI , 61-107 ) , and foot ( 95 % CI , .56 -.92 ) and malleolus ( 95 % CI , 1.15-1 .63 ) circumference .
RESULTS	None of these variables were significantly modified in the placebo group .
RESULTS	Both groups reported a significant reduction in pain .
CONCLUSIONS	Ankle dorsiflexion during gait , walking parameters , peripheral edema , venous pain , and quality of life remain improved in patients with CVI at 1 month after mixed KT-compression therapy .
CONCLUSIONS	KT may have a placebo effect on pain perception .

