Sports Medicine

Kinesio taping shows uncertain, short-lived benefits and minor skin harms

This overview mapped 128 systematic reviews, covering 15,812 participants from 310 randomized trials of kinesio taping for musculoskeletal disorders. New meta-analyses suggested KT may modestly reduce pain and improve function only in immediate and short-term follow-up. KT showed little to no effect on pain or function beyond the short term, or on strength, range of motion, or disease-specific symptoms. Adverse events were mainly skin irritation and pruritus, with reported numbers needed to harm of 173 and 356, respectively. Overall certainty was very low, with high heterogeneity and unclear clinical relevance, arguing against routine KT use for most athletes. 1

Wearable thermal–heart-rate patterns may warn of exertional heat stroke

This study compared physiologic responses during a loaded military ruck between seven exertional heat stroke cases and 21 matched controls. Core temperature rose faster in exertional heat stroke, while heart rate and chest skin temperature were higher from the second quartile onward. The skin–core temperature gradient narrowed in exertional heat stroke, and gait instability increased only late, during the final quartile. Authors propose an early-detection approach using combined heart rate and thermal trajectories rather than waiting for overt collapse. These data support integrating multiparameter wearable monitoring into protocols for high-risk, field-based endurance events. 2

Copenhagen and hip-extension lifts optimally load hip adductors

Fifteen uninjured participants performed eight common exercises while EMG-assisted neuromusculoskeletal modeling estimated individual hip adductor forces. Copenhagen long-lever was Tier 1 for all adductor muscles, and Copenhagen short-lever was Tier 1 for adductor brevis and longus. Deadlift and sumo deadlift were Tier 1 for adductor magnus ischiocondylar and gracilis, with squat and step-up Tier 1 for adductor magnus ischiocondylar. Lateral slide and lying leg lift generated lower forces, clustering into Tier 2 or 3 depending on the specific muscle. These rankings provide a practical hierarchy for progressing or regressing adductor load in performance programs and groin rehabilitation. 3

Drop-set resistance training: same gains, higher acute load

This meta-analysis pooled 12 studies with 274 participants comparing drop-set and traditional resistance training for hypertrophy, strength, and acute responses. Drop-set training produced markedly higher ratings of perceived exertion and higher lactate concentrations than traditional protocols. Long-term adaptations in hypertrophy, strength, and muscular endurance were similar between methods, with no meaningful between-group differences. Heart-rate responses tended to be higher with drop-sets but did not consistently reach statistical significance. Clinicians can use drop-sets as a time-efficient option while planning for greater acute stress and possible added recovery needs. 4