BACKGROUND: Due to limited regulation of websites, the quality and content of online health-related information has been questioned as prior studies have shown that websites often misrepresent orthopaedic conditions and treatments. Kinesio tape has gained popularity among athletes and the general public despite limited evidence supporting its efficacy. The primary objective of this study was to assess the quality and content of Internet-based information on Kinesio taping. METHODS: An Internet search using the terms "Kinesio tape" and "kinesiology tape" was performed using the Google search engine. Websites returned within the first two pages of results, as well as hyperlinks embedded within these sites, were included in the study. These sites were subsequently classified by type. The quality of the website was determined by the Health On the Net (HON) score, an objective metric based upon recommendations from the United Nations for the ethical representation of health information. A content analysis was performed by noting specific misleading versus balanced features in each website. RESULTS: A total of 31 unique websites were identified. The majority of the websites (71%) were commercial. Out of a total possible 16 points, the mean HON score among the websites was 8.9 points (SD 2.2 points). The number of misleading features was significantly higher than the balanced features (p < 0.001). Fifty-eight percent of sites used anecdotal testimonials to promote the product. Only small percentages of websites discussed complications, alternatives, or provided accurate medical outcomes. Overall, commercial sites had a greater number of misleading features compared to non-commercial sites (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Websites discussing Kinesio tape are predominantly of poor quality and present misleading, imbalanced information. It is of ever-increasing importance that healthcare providers work to ensure that reliable, balanced, and accurate information be available to Internet users. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.
BACKGROUND: Due to limited regulation of websites, the quality and content of online health-related information has been questioned as prior studies have shown that websites often misrepresent orthopaedic conditions and treatments. Kinesio tape has gained popularity among athletes and the general public despite limited evidence supporting its efficacy. The primary objective of this study was to assess the quality and content of Internet-based information on Kinesio taping. METHODS: An Internet search using the terms "Kinesio tape" and "kinesiology tape" was performed using the Google search engine. Websites returned within the first two pages of results, as well as hyperlinks embedded within these sites, were included in the study. These sites were subsequently classified by type. The quality of the website was determined by the Health On the Net (HON) score, an objective metric based upon recommendations from the United Nations for the ethical representation of health information. A content analysis was performed by noting specific misleading versus balanced features in each website. RESULTS: A total of 31 unique websites were identified. The majority of the websites (71%) were commercial. Out of a total possible 16 points, the mean HON score among the websites was 8.9 points (SD 2.2 points). The number of misleading features was significantly higher than the balanced features (p < 0.001). Fifty-eight percent of sites used anecdotal testimonials to promote the product. Only small percentages of websites discussed complications, alternatives, or provided accurate medical outcomes. Overall, commercial sites had a greater number of misleading features compared to non-commercial sites (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Websites discussing Kinesio tape are predominantly of poor quality and present misleading, imbalanced information. It is of ever-increasing importance that healthcare providers work to ensure that reliable, balanced, and accurate information be available to Internet users. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.
Keywords:
Internet information; kinesiology tape; quality
Authors: James S Starman; F Keith Gettys; Jason A Capo; James E Fleischli; H James Norton; Madhav A Karunakar Journal: J Bone Joint Surg Am Date: 2010-07-07 Impact factor: 5.284
Authors: Peter D Fabricant; Christopher J Dy; Ronak M Patel; John S Blanco; Shevaun M Doyle Journal: J Pediatr Orthop Date: 2013-06 Impact factor: 2.324
Authors: M A Winker; A Flanagin; B Chi-Lum; J White; K Andrews; R L Kennett; C D DeAngelis; R A Musacchio Journal: JAMA Date: 2000 Mar 22-29 Impact factor: 56.272
Authors: Tomasz Halski; Robert Dymarek; Kuba Ptaszkowski; Lucyna Słupska; Katarzyna Rajfur; Joanna Rajfur; Małgorzata Pasternok; Agnieszka Smykla; Jakub Taradaj Journal: Med Sci Monit Date: 2015-08-01
Authors: Tomasz Halski; Kuba Ptaszkowski; Lucyna Słupska; Małgorzata Paprocka-Borowicz; Robert Dymarek; Jakub Taradaj; Gabriela Bidzińska; Daniel Marczyński; Aleksandra Cynarska; Joanna Rosińczuk Journal: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med Date: 2015-09-29 Impact factor: 2.629