ATTITUDES AND KNOWLEDGE OF PHYSIOTHERAPISTS ON THE APPLICATION OF KINESIO TAPING IN PREVENTION AND REHABILITATION

Kinesio taping (KT) metoda je postala jako popularna metoda u tretiranju ozljeda zadnjih godina. Kinesio Taping metodu osmislio je japanski kiropraktičar Kenzo Kase te postoji više od 40 godina, ali postala je široko popularna tek nakon OI u Pekingu 2008. godine. Od tada se puno intenzivnije istražuju i analiziraju učinci takve metode kod različitih mišićno-koštanih problema i bolnih stanja. KT metoda se koristi u cilju facilitacije prirodnih regeneracijskih procesa tijela mikroskopskim podizanjem kože s kojom se povećava protok krvi i limfe te utječe na različite somatosenzorne receptore u cilju modulacije rada živčanog sustava. Kinesio Taping utječe na neuromuskularni sustav, smanjuje bol i upale, sprječava ozljede i poboljšava cirkulaciju te pomaže vraćanju tijela u homeostazu. Prikladna je za duže korištenje. Elastične trake, Kinesio Tex Tape, koje se koriste svojstvima podsjećaju na kožu. Postoji 8 tehnika primjene ove metode, a biraju se ovisno o problemu i cilju tretmana. Inhibicija i facilitacija dvije su mišićne tehnike, koje se koriste kada je problem mišićni, a mehanička, fascijalna, prostorna, tetivna/ligamentarna, funkcionalna i cirkulatorna/limfatička korekcija spadaju u preostalih šest korektivnih tehnika. Ove tehnike moguće je kombinirati, ali geslo koje prati Kinesio Taping metodu je „manje je više“. Zato je potrebno odgovorno pristupiti pacijentu, razmišljajući i koristeći svo svoje znanje kroz tretman. Glavni cilj ovog istraživanja je bio utvrditi kakvi su stavovi i znanje fizioterapeuta u Hrvatskoj o Kinesio Taping metodi. Podaci su bili prikupljeni isključivo putem kreirane online ankete koju su ispitanici dobrovoljno ispunjavali, a sastojala se od 22 pitanja. Anketu je dobrovoljno ispunilo 133 fizioterapeuta. Prilikom formiranja istraživanja postavljene su tri hipoteze. Hipoteza 1 koja govori da fizioterapeuti smatraju KT metodu kao dobru dodatnu metodu je prihvaćena. Analizom podataka većina ispitanika se složilo da je Kinesio Taping metoda korisna u rehabilitaciji kao pomoćna metoda. Treća hipoteza je isto bila prihvaćena, jer hrvatski fizioterapeuti imaju znanje o Kinesio Taping metodi. Druga hipoteza bila je odbačena, jer fizioterapeuti navode da koriste ovu metodu više od mjesečno kako se pretpostavljalo. Kroz analizu istraživanja možemo reći da većina fizioterapeuta posjeduje znanje o Kinesio Taping metodi i ima pozitivno mišljenje o korištenju ove metode kao dodatne metode u fizikalnoj terapiji. Istraživanje ima dobar temelj i predstavlja stavove i znanja fizioterapeuta koji rade u sustavu zdravstva u Hrvatskoj i upoznati su s Kinesio Taping meodom. Proučavanjem ove metode i diskutiranjem fizioterapeuta međusobno može se uvidjeti na koji način možemo unaprijediti kvalitetu i zadovoljstvo pacijenata i samih fizioterapeuta.The Kinesio taping (KT) method has become a very popular method in the treatment of injuries in recent years. The Kinesio Taping method was invented by Japanese chiropractor Kenzo Kase and has existed for more than 40 years, but it became widely popular only after the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Since then, the effects of such a method in various musculoskeletal problems and painful conditions have been much more intensively investigated and analyzed. The KT method is used to facilitate the body's natural regeneration processes by microscopically lifting the skin, which increases blood and lymph flow and affects various somatosensory receptors in order to modulate the nervous system. Kinesio Taping affects the neuromuscular system, reduces pain and inflammation, prevents injuries and improves circulation, and helps restore the body to homeostasis. It is suitable for longer use. Elastic bands, Kinesio Tex Tape, which use properties reminiscent of leather. There are 8 techniques for applying this method, and they are chosen depending on the problem and the goal of the treatment. Inhibition and facilitation are two muscle techniques, used when the problem is muscular, and mechanical, fascial, spatial, tendon / ligament, functional, and circulatory / lymphatic correction are among the remaining six corrective techniques. These techniques can be combined, but the password that accompanies the Kinesio Taping method is "less is more". Therefore, it is necessary to approach the patient responsibly, thinking and using all their knowledge through treatment. The main goal of this research was to determine the attitudes and knowledge of physiotherapists in Croatia about the Kinesio Taping method. Data were collected exclusively through an online survey created by respondents who completed them voluntarily and consisted of 22 questions. The survey was completed voluntarily by 133 physiotherapists. During the formation of the research, three hypotheses were set. Hypothesis 1, which states that physiotherapists consider the CT method as a good additional method, has been accepted. After analyzing the data, most of the respondents agreed that the Kinesio Taping method is useful in rehabilitation as an auxiliary method. The third hypothesis was also accepted, because Croatian physiotherapists have knowledge of the Kinesio Taping method. The second hypothesis was rejected because physiotherapists state that they use this method for more than a month as assumed. Through the analysis of the research we can say that most physiotherapists have knowledge about the Kinesio Taping method and have a positive opinion about the use of this method as an additional method in physical therapy. The research has a good foundation and presents the attitudes and knowledge of physiotherapists who work in the health care system in Croatia and are familiar with the Kinesio Taping method. By studying this method and discussing physiotherapists with each other, we can see how we can improve the quality and satisfaction of patients and physiotherapists themselves