Immediate effect of forearm Kinesio taping on maximal grip strength and force sense in healthy collegiate athletes

ObjectivesTo determine the immediate effects of applied forearm Kinesio taping on maximal grip strength and force sense of healthy collegiate athletes.DesignSingle group, repeated measures study.SettingClinical sports medicine laboratory at a university hospital.ParticipantsTwenty-one healthy collegiate athletes voluntarily participated in this study. All subjects were male (average height: 181.24 ± 7.60 cm; average body weight: 72.86 ± 7.03 kg; average age: 20.86 ± 2.59 years).Main Outcome MeasuresFirst, maximal grip strength of the dominant hand was assessed by hand-held dynamometer. Then, 50% of maximal grip strength was established as the reference value of force sense. Absolute and related force sense errors and maximal grip strength were measured under three conditions: (1) without taping; (2) with placebo taping; and (3) with Kinesio taping.ResultsResults revealed no significant differences in maximal grip strength between the three conditions (p = 0.936). Both related and absolute force sense errors in grip strength measurements significantly increased the accuracy of the results under the three conditions (related force sense errors: p < 0.05; absolute force sense errors: p < 0.05).ConclusionForearm Kinesio taping may enhance either related or absolute force sense in healthy collegiate athletes. However, Kinesio taping did not result in changes in maximal grip strength in healthy subjects.     

Effects of elastic taping,non-elastic taping and static stretching on recovery after intensive eccentric exercise

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of elastic tape (Kinesio tape) to placebo tape or static stretching on delayed onset muscle soreness. Fifty-one untrained female healthy volunteers were randomly assigned into three groups (n = 17/group), elastic tape, placebo tape and stretching group. Muscle soreness was induced by 4 sets of 25 maximal isokinetic (60°.s^?1) eccentric contractions of dominant quadriceps on an isokinetic dynamometer. Compared with placebo tape, the elastic tape participants had less muscle soreness at 72 h post-exercise (p = 0.01). The elastic tape also increased isometric strength at 72 h post-exercise compared with the placebo (p = 0.03) and stretching group (p = 0.02). However, there was little effect between groups for changes in thigh circumference, jumping, pressure pain threshold, rate of perceived exertion, creatine kinase activity and joint motion. Elastic taping increased muscle strength recovery and reduced muscle soreness after intensive exercise.     

Effects of Kinesio tape on supporting medial foot arch in runners with functional flatfoot: a preliminary study

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to evaluate the anti-pronation effects of Kinesio tape on flexible flatfoot during running. Nine volunteers participated in a crossover trail of two conditions: with Kinesio tape (KT) or without taping (NT). The running consisted of 9 stages of different inclines on a treadmill over 28 minutes. Navicular drop distance (NDD) was measured before and after the running. Electromyography, the relative plantar pressure, Rating of Perceived Exertion and Visual Analogue Scale were recorded at each stage. After the application of Kinesio tapes over the tibialis posterior and transverse arch, the NDD reduced significantly and the relative posterior pressure reduced during stage 8. Without taping, the NDD decreased slightly after exercise. Comparing between conditions, the tibialis anterior were more activated with Kinesio tape in stages 4 and 5. During the latter half of the running, the medial gastrocnemius and peroneus longus reduced their activity in the KT and NT conditions respectively. In conclusion, the Kinesio tapes intended to facilitate the tibialis posterior and reinforce the transverse arch can reduce NDD in individuals with flexible flatfoot immediately after application, and increase muscle activity of their tibialis anterior during the first 15 minutes of the running.     

Acute effects of kinesio taping on a 6 s maximal cycling sprint performance

Based on the hypothesis that tactile stimulation affects muscle activation levels, we theorized that taping vastus medialis and vastus lateralis muscles would improve a 6 s sprint cycling performance. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine whether the use of kinesio taping (KT) was helpful in increasing maximal-intensity cycling exercise. Sixteen active healthy subjects were enrolled in a randomized placebo, repeated measures design. All subjects were tested on a cycle ergometer under three conditions: without taping, taping along anterior thigh muscles and sham taping across the same muscle groups. Results showed a significant increase in peak power output and total work after the application compared to the condition with no tape applied (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found between the two modes of application. Our findings indicated that the tactile stimulation of KT applied longitudinally provided positive effects during a sprint cycling performance in healthy and active subjects.     

Isokinetic knee function in healthy subjects with and without Kinesio taping

ObjectiveThis study examined the difference in the isokinetic knee performance in healthy subjects with and without the Kinesio tape application onto the skin surface overlying the vastus medialis.DesignA cross-sectional experimental study.SettingClinical setting.Participants30 healthy participants.Main outcome measuresMaximal concentric knee extension and flexion at three angular velocities (60, 120 and 180°/s) were measured with an isokinetic dynamometer. Normalized peak torque, normalized total work done and time to peak torque of knee extension and flexion were compared by repeated measures ANOVA.ResultsThere was no significant main effect in ANOVA in normalized peak torque and normalized total work done between taping conditions and angular velocities. Conversely, participants demonstrated significant shorter time to peak extension torque with the tape condition (p = 0.03). Pair-wise comparisons indicated that such time reduction (36–101 ms) occurred at all three angular velocities (p < 0.01).ConclusionThis investigation demonstrated the application of Kinesio tape did not alter the muscle peak torque generation and total work done but shortened the time to generate peak torque. This finding may contribute to the rationale in injury prevention and rehabilitation in athletes with Kinesio taping.     

Knee cartilage morphologic characteristics and muscle status of professional weight lifters and sprinters: a magnetic resonance imaging study

BACKGROUND: Whereas muscle and bone mass have been shown to strongly depend on mechanical stimulation (loading history), this relationship has not been established for articular cartilage. HYPOTHESIS: Subjects with high muscle strength display thicker knee cartilage and larger joint surface areas than nonathletic volunteers, and knee cartilage morphologic characteristics correlate more strongly with muscle force than with muscle cross-sectional areas. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Fourteen young, healthy adult professional athletes (7 weight lifters and 7 bobsled sprinters) were examined and compared with 14 adult nonathletic volunteers who had never performed strength training. Muscle moments were measured with a dynamometer and muscle cross-sectional areas and knee cartilage morphologic characteristics with magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: Weight lifters and sprinters displayed significantly (P < .001) larger extensor muscle moments and cross-sectional areas. They showed significantly greater (P < .01) patellar cartilage thickness than nonathletic volunteers (+14% [95% confidence interval, 6% to 22%] and +17% [95% confidence interval, 9% to 26%], respectively) but no significant differences in the cartilage thickness of the other knee joint cartilage plates or joint surface areas. Muscle moments did not correlate more strongly with knee cartilage volume or thickness than muscle cross-sectional areas of the thigh. CONCLUSIONS: Direct measurements of muscle forces do not predict cartilage thickness more accurately than muscle cross-sectional areas. These findings suggest that cartilage thickness has much less ability, if any, to adapt to mechanical loading than muscle. Large cohorts of athletes will need to be studied to detect potentially significant differences in cartilage versus nonathletic controls.     

The effects of gluteus medius and tibialis anterior kinesio taping on postural control,knee kinematics,and knee proprioception in female athletes with dynamic knee valgus

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the effects of Kinesio taping on postural control, kinematics, and knee proprioception in female athletes with dynamic knee valgus (DKV).Design: a single-blind randomized clinical trial.Participants40 female athletes between the age of 18 and 28 years with DKV in single-leg drop landing (>13°) participated in this study. They were randomly classified into the Kinesio taping (KT) and placebo control (PC) groups.Main outcome measuresAll the evaluations and measurements were performed on each subject in the pre-test and post-test stages (with an interval of 72 h). The dynamic balance (Y balance test), proprioception (Knee position sense error), and knee kinematics (flexion and DKV angles) of the subjects were measured, prior and post gluteus medius and tibialis anterior KT.ResultsThe results of study demonstrate that the DKV angle and knee position sense error significantly decreased and YBT increased in the KT group from pre-test to post-test (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, there was no significant difference in knee flexion angle (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe results of the present study indicated that KT improves dynamic balance and proprioception and reduces the DKV angle. Therefore, KT is recommended for female athletes with DKV.     

Kinesio taping in treatment and prevention of sports injuries: a meta-analysis of the evidence for its effectiveness

Kinesio tape (KT) is an elastic therapeutic tape used for treating sports injuries and a variety of other disorders. Chiropractor, Dr Kenso Kase, developed KT taping techniques in the 1970s. It is claimed that KT supports injured muscles and joints and helps relieve pain by lifting the skin and allowing improved blood and lymph flow. The profile of KT rose after the tape was donated to 58 countries for use during the 2008 Olympic Games, and was seen on high-profile athletes. Practitioners are asking whether they should use KT over other elastic adhesive tapes. The aim of this review was to evaluate, using meta-analysis, the effectiveness of KT in the treatment and prevention of sports injuries. Electronic databases including SPORTDiscus, Scopus, MEDLINE, ScienceDirect and sports medicine websites were searched using keywords 'kinesio taping/tape'. From 97 articles, ten met the inclusion criteria (article reported data for effect of KT on a musculoskeletal outcome and had a control group) and were retained for meta-analyses. Magnitude-based inferences were used to assess clinical worth of positive outcomes reported in studies. Only two studies investigated sports-related injuries (shoulder impingement), and just one of these involved injured athletes. Studies attending to musculoskeletal outcomes in healthy participants were included on the basis that these outcomes may have implications for the prevention of sporting injuries. The efficacy of KT in pain relief was trivial given there were no clinically important results. There were inconsistent range-of-motion outcome results, with at least small beneficial results seen in two studies, but trivial results in two other studies across numerous joint measurements. There was a likely beneficial effect for proprioception regarding grip force sense error, but no positive outcome for ankle proprioception. Seven outcomes relating to strength were beneficial, although there were numerous trivial findings for quadriceps and hamstrings peak torque, and grip strength measures. KT had some substantial effects on muscle activity, but it was unclear whether these changes were beneficial or harmful. In conclusion, there was little quality evidence to support the use of KT over other types of elastic taping in the management or prevention of sports injuries. KT may have a small beneficial role in improving strength, range of motion in certain injured cohorts and force sense error compared with other tapes, but further studies are needed to confirm these findings. The amount of case study and anecdotal support for KT warrants well designed experimental research, particularly pertaining to sporting injuries, so that practitioners can be confident that KT is beneficial for their athletes.     

Recurrent shoulder instability among athletes: changes in quality of life,sports activity,and muscle function following open repair

Background: Recurrent anterior shoulder instability is a disabling condition in young athletes with possibly underestimated impact on quality of life and sports activity. Commonly used clinical scoring systems do not reflect the impairment of quality of life and sports activity. It was our aim to assess the return to preinjury levels of quality of life and sports activity as well as the changes in muscle function among competitive and recreational athletes. Hypothesis: Patients suffering from post-traumatic recurrent shoulder instability have to adopt their participation in sports and therefore discover a reduction in quality of life. Open stabilization procedures are able to improve shoulder function and to reduce recurrence rates. However, return to preinjury shoulder function is not guaranteed. Study design: Retrospective longitudinal cohort study on 19 consecutive athletes with recurrent, post-traumatic shoulder instability. All patients were treated with an open, capsulo-labral repair. The minimum follow-up was 24 months. Methods: Life quality (SF12) and sports activity data (Athletic Shoulder Outcome Scoring System) were retrospectively collected for the time before injury (time 1) and for the time with recurrent instability (time 2). Two years after surgical stabilization (time 3), we followed our patients with different clinical outcome scores, rotator surface EMG measurement, isokinetic muscle strength testing, and a radiological evaluation. This design of a three-step follow-up allowed for calculating the impact on quality of life and sports activity following the injury. Results: Two years after surgery, the clinical scoring systems revealed good-to-excellent results in all patients. Quality of life physical component summary remained diminished by 9.2% despite the surgical procedure and was therefore significantly lower as compared to preinjury levels (p < 0.05). Sports activity was also significantly lower at the time of follow-up (p < 0.05). In this specific procedure, external rotation was not impaired postoperatively. EMG testing showed an overall reduction of muscle activity, however not significant. Isokinetic muscle strength was significantly diminished for external rotation and shoulder abduction. Conclusions: Open reconstruction procedures for recurrent shoulder instability can restore shoulder function and stability to near-normal values. Despite good-to-excellent clinical results, there is a significant impairment of quality of life and sports activity 2 years after surgery. Muscle activity and muscle strength are diminished. Recurrent shoulder instability remains a disabling condition to the young athlete. Future strategies have to emphasize restoration of quality of life, sports activity, and muscle function.     

Effects of resistance training on endurance capacity and muscle fiber composition in young top-level cyclists

Equivocal findings exist on the effect of concurrent strength (S) and endurance (E) training on endurance performance and muscle morphology. Further, the influence of concurrent SE training on muscle fiber-type composition, vascularization and endurance capacity remains unknown in top-level endurance athletes. The present study examined the effect of 16 weeks of concurrent SE training on maximal muscle strength (MVC), contractile rate of force development (RFD), muscle fiber morphology and composition, capillarization, aerobic power (VO2max), cycling economy (CE) and long/short-term endurance capacity in young elite competitive cyclists (n=14). MVC and RFD increased 12-20% with SE (P<0.01) but not E. VO2max remained unchanged. CE improved in E to reach values seen in SE. Short-term (5-min) endurance performance increased (3-4%) after SE and E (P<0.05), whereas 45-min endurance capacity increased (8%) with SE only (P<0.05). Type IIA fiber proportions increased and type IIX proportions decreased after SE training (P<0.05) with no change in E. Muscle fiber area and capillarization remained unchanged. In conclusion, concurrent strength/endurance training in young elite competitive cyclists led to an improved 45-min time-trial endurance capacity that was accompanied by an increased proportion of type IIA muscle fibers and gains in MVC and RFD, while capillarization remained unaffected.     

The immediate effect of foot orthoses on gluteal and lower limb muscle activity during overground walking in healthy young adults

BackgroundAlthough foot orthoses are often used in the management of lower limb musculoskeletal conditions, their effects on muscle activation is unclear, especially in more proximal segments of the lower limb.Research questionPrimary aim: Is there an immediate effect of foot orthoses on gluteal muscle activity during overground walking in healthy young adults? Secondary aim: Is there an immediate effect of foot orthoses on the activity of hamstring, quadriceps and calf muscles?MethodsIn eighteen healthy young adults, muscle activity was recorded using fine wire electrodes for gluteus minimus (GMin; anterior, posterior) and gluteus medius (GMed; anterior, middle, posterior); and surface electrodes for gluteus maximus (GMax), hamstring, quadriceps and calf muscles. Participants completed six walking trials for two conditions; shoe and shoe with prefabricated foot orthoses. Muscle activity was normalised to the peak activity of the shoe condition and analysed using one-dimensional statistical non-parametric mapping to identify differences across the gait cycle.ResultsActivity of GMed (anterior, middle, posterior) and GMin (posterior) was reduced in early stance phase when the orthosis was worn in the shoe (p < 0.05). GMin (anterior) activity was significantly reduced during swing (p < 0.05). Muscle activity was also significantly reduced during the orthoses condition for the lateral hamstrings and calf muscles (p < 0.05).SignificanceUsing foot orthoses may provide a strategy to reduce demand on GMin, GMed, lateral hamstring and calf muscles while walking.     

模拟失重对人体骨骼肌体积和肌内乙酰胆碱/肌酸比值的影响及等张运动对肌萎缩的作用

目的：研究模拟失重对人体骨骼肌体积和肌内乙酰胆碱／肌酸（Cho/Cr)比值的影响，并观察卧床期等张肌肉锻炼的抗肌萎缩作用。方法：10名健康青年男性志愿者，进行卧床3周的模拟失重试验，将其随机分为卧床对照组（5人）和卧床运动训练组（5人）。使用核磁共振成像和磁共振波谱观察卧床前后右侧大腿骨骼肌体积，肌四头肌体积和比目鱼肌内Cho/Cr的变化，使用REV9000等速测力系统测试其膝关节伸肌相对峰力矩的变化。结果：两组受试者卧床后右侧大腿骨骼肌体积、肌四头肌体积和膝关节伸肌相对峰力矩除Cho/Cr外均较卧床前显著下降，以股四头肌体积变化最显著。对照组与训练组间差异无显著性意义。结论：模拟失重对人体下肢骨骼肌短期内即可出现以伸肌为主的萎缩和膝关节伸肌相对峰力矩的下降。本组数据未能显示出等张运动对抗肌萎缩有显著的作用。     

The immediate effects of Kinesio Taping on running biomechanics,muscle activity,and perceived changes in comfort,stability and running performance in healthy runners,and the implications to the management of Iliotibial band syndrome

BackgroundKinesio Taping is frequently used in the management of lower limb injuries, and has been shown to improve pain, function, and running performance. However, little is known about the effects of Kinesio Taping on running biomechanics, muscle activity, and perceived benefits.Research questionThis study aimed to explore the immediate effects of Kinesio Taping on lower limb kinematics, joint moments, and muscle activity, as well as perceived comfort, knee joint stability, and running performance in healthy runners.MethodsTwenty healthy participants ran at a self-selected pace along a 20-metre runway under three conditions; no tape (NT), Kinesio Tape with tension (KTT), and Kinesio tape without tension (KTNT). Comparisons of peak hip, knee angles and moments, and EMG were analysed during the stance phase of running.ResultsKTT exhibited significant increases in peak hip flexion, peak hip abduction and hip external rotation compared to NT. Moreover, the KTT condition showed a trend towards a decrease in peak hip internal rotation and adduction angle compared to the NT condition. EMG results showed that Tensor Fascia Latae activity decreased with KTT compared with NT, and Gluteus Maximus activity reduced with KTNT when compared with NT. Ten of the 20 participants indicated important improvements in the comfort score, six participants in the knee stability score, and seven participants in the running performance score when using KTT.SignificanceThese results suggest that changes in running biomechanics previously associated with ITBS can be improved with the application of kinesio tape, with the greatest effect seen with the application of kinesio tape with tension. Perceived improvements were seen in comfort, stability and running performance, however these benefits were only seen in half the participants. Further work is required to explore the biomechanical effects and perceived benefits in different patient groups.     

Effects of two electrical stimulation frequencies in thigh muscle after knee surgery

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of two protocols of electrical stimulation combined with voluntary contractions on the recovery of thigh muscles after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery. Ten sportsmen with a mean age of 26 yrs were randomly assigned into two groups: a 80 Hz stimulated group (5 patients) and a 20 Hz stimulated group (5 patients). All patients received electrical stimulation of the quadriceps femoris, five days a week, for 12 weeks, and had a standard program of voluntary contractions. Muscle and fat volumes of the thigh were assessed using MRI before surgery and after 12 weeks of rehabilitation. Quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength were evaluated by isokinetic measurements. Twelve weeks after surgery, the quadriceps peak torque deficit in the operated limb with respect to the non operated limb at 180 degrees /s and 240 degrees /s was significantly (p < 0.05) less in the 20 Hz group than in the 80 Hz group. This difference was not confirmed when comparing the pre-surgery quadriceps peak torque of the operated limb with the post-surgery one. Subcutaneous fat volume was increased for the two groups at the post-surgery test. This increase was significantly (p < 0.05) greater for the 80 Hz group. Thigh muscle volume deficit was not significantly different between the two groups.     

False-positive defects in technetium-99m sestamibi myocardial single-photon emission tomography in healthy athletes with left ventricular hypertrophy

Exercise ECG and myocardial single-photon emission tomography (SPET) are fundamental in the non-invasive evaluation of patients suspected of having coronary artery disease (CAD). The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of physiological left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) on myocardial sestamibi SPET in healthy young and old athletes. Eighteen young male elite athletes (ten rowers, five power/weight lifters and three triathletes) and 14 well-trained elderly rowers were studied. All underwent a bicycle test as part of a 2-day sestamibi SPET protocol. Attenuation correction was not performed. The studies were evaluated visually and quantitatively analysed by the CEqual program with its reference files and with a file from a local non-athletic age-matched population. Echocardiographic LVH was an inclusion criterion in the young athletes. Exercise ECG was normal in all subjects. In at least three of the young athletes a reversible defect was observed by visual analysis. On quantitative analysis one-third of the young athletes had ”significant” (>10 pixels) defects compared with both the local reference base and the CEqual reference population. Nearly all defects were found in the anterior or inferior wall. The remaining subjects, including all old rowers, had normal SPET findings. Anterior and inferior wall defects are so common in healthy athletes with physiological LVH that the specificity of myocardial SPET, in contrast to exercise ECG, seems to be too low for evaluation of chest pain in this group. The mechanism of anterior and inferior defects may be related to hot spots (papillary muscles?) in the lateral wall. The specificity of SPET is maintained in athletes without LVH. Received 9 March and in revised form 30 May 1998     

Knee muscle co-contractions are greater in old compared to young adults during walking and stair use

BackgroundMuscle co-contraction is an accepted clinical measure to quantify the effects of aging on neuromuscular control and movement efficiency. However, evidence of increased muscle co-contraction in old compared to young adults remains inconclusive.Research QuestionAre there differences in lower-limb agonist/antagonist muscle co-contractions in young and old adults, and males and females, during walking and stair use?MethodsIn a retrospective study, we analyzed data from 20 healthy young and 19 healthy old adults during walking, stair ascent, and stair descent at self-selected speeds, including marker trajectories, ground reaction force, and electromyography activity. We calculated muscle co-contraction at the knee (vastus lateralis vs. biceps femoris) and ankle (tibialis anterior vs. medial gastrocnemius) using the ratio of the common area under a muscle pairs’ filtered and normalized electromyography curves to the sum of the areas under each muscle in that pair.ResultsOld compared to young adults displayed 18%–22% greater knee muscle co-contractions during the entire cycle of stair use activities. We found greater (17%–29%) knee muscle co-contractions in old compared to young adults during the swing phase of walking and stair use. We found no difference in ankle muscle co-contractions between the two age groups during all three activities. We found no difference in muscle co-contraction between males and females at the knee and ankle joints for all three activities.SignificanceBased on our findings, we recommend clinical evaluation to quantify the effects of aging through muscle co-contraction to include the knee joint during dynamic activities like walking and stair use, and independent evaluation of the stance and swing phases.     

Simple measurements in assessing muscle performance after an ACL reconstruction

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity of the simple measurements of the muscle performance of the lower extremity, one legged hop testing for distance and the measurement of the circumference of the thigh 15 cm proximal to the joint line, by comparing them to the isokinetic strength testing 5 to 9 years after an ACL reconstruction with a bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) autograft. The measurements were performed on 86 patients on average 7 years after the surgery. The clinical evaluation was performed using the standard knee ligament evaluation form of the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and the Lysholm and the Marshall knee scores. At seven years, the isokinetic mean strength deficit of knee extension at the 60 degrees per second was 10 % in the operated limb as compared to the contralateral limb (NS). In the knee flexion, the differences were even smaller and statistically not significant either. The strength deficit of the knee extension at all knee angle velocities (p < 0.005), and flexion at 60 degrees per second (p < 0.05), correlated to the one legged hop testing, so that the patients with the greatest strength deficit also had the worst outcome in the one legged hop test. Also, the correlation between thigh atrophy and the deficit in the isokinetic strength test was significant in knee extension at all knee angle velocities (p < 0.001), and in knee flexion at 180 degrees per second (p < 0.005). In the final evaluation of the IKDC, 21 patients were rated as "normal", 51 as "nearly normal", 13 as "abnormal", and one as "severely abnormal". The mean of the Lysholm score was 83, classified as good, and that of Marshall score 43, classified as good. In conclusion, the one legged hop testing, as a functional muscle strength testing after an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, seems to correlate well with the isokinetic strength testing of the knee, especially in the knee extension. Because the hop testing can be easily performed and without extra equipment, we recommend its use for the evaluation of the functional muscle performance after an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The measurement of the thigh atrophy is also easy to perform, and should be used beside the one legged hop testing, especially if the isokinetic strength testing is not available.     

The placebo effect of ankle taping in ankle instability

PURPOSE: Recurrence of ankle sprains is common among athletes. Although ankle taping reduces the risk of injury, the mechanism underlying its effectiveness remains unclear. Anecdotal reports suggest a role of the belief among athletes that taping will protect them from injury. That is, taping may have a placebo effect. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether there was a placebo effect with ankle taping in individuals with ankle instability. METHODS: Thirty participants with ankle instability completed a hopping test and a modified star excursion balance test under three conditions: (i) real tape, (ii) placebo tape, and (iii) control (no tape). Participants were blinded to the purpose of the study and were informed that the study aimed to compare two methods of ankle taping referred to as mechanical (real) and proprioceptive (placebo). The order of testing the three conditions and the two functional tests was randomized. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in performance among the three conditions for the hopping test (P = 0.865) or the modified star excursion balance test (P = 0.491). However, a secondary exploratory analysis revealed that participants' perceptions of stability, confidence, and reassurance increased with both real and placebo ankle taping when performing the functional tasks. CONCLUSION: The role of the placebo effect of ankle taping in individuals with ankle instability remains unclear. Clinicians should, therefore, continue to use ankle-taping techniques of known efficacy. They should, however, focus on maximizing patients' beliefs in the efficacy of ankle taping, because its application reassured participants and improved their perceived stability and confidence. The effect of ankle taping on participants' perceptions may contribute to its effectiveness in preventing injury.     

Profiles of muscularity in junior Olympic weight lifters

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the muscularity of strength-trained junior athletes. METHODS: Muscle thickness (Mt) values at 10 sites (anterior forearm, anterior upper arm, posterior upper arm, chest, abdomen, back, anterior thigh, posterior thigh, anterior lower leg, and posterior lower leg) were determined in junior Olympic weight lifters (OWL, n=7, 15.1+/-0.3 y, mean+/-SD) and non-athletes (CON, n=13, 15.1+/-0.3 y) using a brightness mode ultrasonography. Skeletal age assessed with the Tanner-Whitehouse II method (20 hand-wrist bones) was similar in OWL (16.4+/-0.7 y) and CON (16.3+/-0.6 y). RESULTS: At the 6 sites (anterior forearm, anterior upper arm, posterior upper arm, chest, back and anterior thigh), OWL showed significantly greater Mt values than CON even in terms of Mt relative to body mass(1/3) Mt x BM(-1/3). On the other hand, there were no significant differences between the 2 groups in the Mt ratios of the anterior to posterior site in the upper arm, thigh and lower leg and those of the back to either the chest or abdomen in the trunk. For OWL only, skeletal age was significantly correlated to Mt x BM(-1/3) at the abdomen (r=0.869, p<0.05) and anterior thigh (r=0.883, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings here indicate that 1) as compared to adolescent non-athletes, junior Olympic weight lifters show a greater muscularity in the upper body and anterior thigh without predominant development in either of anterior and posterior sites within the same body segment, 2) for junior Olympic weight lifters, the muscularity of abdominal and knee extensor muscles is influenced by the biological maturation.