Clinical Evaluation of Kinesio Taping Outcomes in Stage II Cellulite: A Pilot Study
Abstract
Background. Cellulite is a common aesthetic condition linked to alterations in subcutaneous fat and dermal connective tissue, with possible impairment of microcirculation and lymphatic drainage. Kinesio taping (KT) is used in physiotherapy, but evidence for cellulite management is limited.
Aim. To evaluate the effect of KT on stage II cellulite using objective ultrasound measure and clinical parameters.
Methods. Thirty-four women with stage II cellulite were randomised to an experimental KT group (n = 17; 39.5 ± 13.3 years) and a control group (n = 17; 45.3 ± 9.3 years). Fan-shaped KT was applied once weekly for four weeks to the thighs and buttocks. Primary outcomes were subepidermal low-echogenic band (LEB) and dermis density assessed by high-frequency ultrasound (DermaLab Combo 4). Secondary outcomes included skin moisture and body composition (BC-418MA). Pre–post changes and between-group differences were analysed; effect sizes were expressed as Cohen’s d.
Results. In the KT group, LEB increased from 0.78 ± 0.06 to 0.85 ± 0.05 (p = 0.012, d = 0.62) and dermis density from 0.68 ± 0.07 to 0.75 ± 0.06 (p = 0.008, d = 0.71). Changes in controls were minimal and not significant. Skin moisture showed no meaningful change in the KT group, whereas the control group decreased (15.13 ± 9.38 to 9.83 ± 5.58; p = 0.006). BMI remained stable; a modest reduction in body fat percentage was observed in the KT group.
Conclusions. Over four weeks, KT produced moderate improvements in dermal echostructure in women with stage II cellulite, with no systemic effects on body mass. As a pilot study, findings should be confirmed in larger, blinded trials of longer duration.
Keywords: cellulite; kinesio taping; skin structure; dermis density
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