Effect of Kinesio taping on muscle strength in athletes—A pilot study

Muscle strength is a key component of an athlete's performance and may be influenced by taping. This study examined the possible immediate and delayed effects of Kinesio taping on muscle strength in quadriceps and hamstring when taping is applied to the anterior thigh of healthy young athletes. Fourteen healthy young athletes (seven males and seven females) free of knee problems were enrolled in this study. Muscle strength of the subject was assessed by the isokinetic dynamometer under three conditions: (1) without taping; (2) immediately after taping; (3) 12h after taping with the tape remaining in situ. The result revealed no significant difference in muscle power among the three conditions. Kinesio taping on the anterior thigh neither decreased nor increased muscle strength in healthy non-injured young athletes.     

Reproducibility of maximum isokinetic trunk strength testing in healthy adolescent athletes

BackgroundIn adolescents athletes isokinetic testing is applied to describe population specific characteristics in trunk strength. However, reproducibility of trunk tests used remains unclear. Aim of the study was to evaluate reproducibility of isokinetic trunk strength testing in adolescent athletes.MethodsTrunk strength was assessed twice in healthy adolescents (N=13; 15.9±1.7yrs; 1.73±0.10m; 69.0±17.0kg). Isometric, concentric and eccentric maximum strength measurements in rotation and flexion/extension were performed. Outcome measures were peak torque (PT; [Nm]), normalized peak torque (PT_norm; [Nm/kgBW]) and ratios of right/left rotation and flexion/extension. Intra class correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), smallest real difference (SRD), Bland and Altman analysis (bias; 95%-limits of agreement (LoA)) and Test-Retest-Variability (TRV) were calculated.ResultsICC ranged between 0.65-0.90 in rotation and 0.69-0.94 in flexion/extension. Systematic error varied between -0.15 to 12.3% (rotation) and -7.0 to 8.8% (flexion and extension). TRV in rotation ranged between 14.6-21.3%. TRV in flexion/extension, except isometric extension, was below 15%. SEM/SRD ranged between 12.6/35.0% and 24.0/66.5% in rotation and 7.2/20.0% and 17.8/49.5% in flexion/extension.ConclusionsResults indicate acceptable reproducibility of isokinetic trunk strength measurements for adolescents in the planes tested. This pilot study indicates that maximum isokinetic trunk strength testing seems to be applicable in this special population, but needs further validation.Level of EvidenceLevel IV.     

The effect of the application direction of the kinesiology tape on the strength of fatigued quadriceps muscles in athletes

This study aimed to determine the effects of application direction of the kinesiology tape on the strength of fatigued quadriceps muscles, and included 15 athletes (mean: age, 19.53 ± 2.42 years; height, 176.93 ± 6.9 cm; weight, 72.87 ± 13.02 kg). The kinesiology tape was randomly applied to the quadriceps from origin to insertion (n = 7) or from insertion to origin (n = 8) after inducing quadriceps muscle fatigue. After 1 week, the kinesiology tape was applied in the opposite direction (insertion to origin [n = 7] or origin to insertion [n = 8]) after inducing quadriceps muscle fatigue. The peak torque of the fatigued quadriceps muscles was measured before and after tape application. Increased peak torque values were observed irrespective of the direction of taping. No significant differences were noted in the peak torque of the fatigued quadriceps muscles with respect to application direction. Kinesiology tape application may improve the strength of fatigued quadriceps muscles regardless of application direction.     

Evaluation isometric and isokinetic of trunk flexor and extensor muscles with isokinetic dynamometer: A systematic review

ObjectiveTo systematically review the literature analyzing the reliability and characteristics of the protocols of isokinetic and isometric evaluation of the trunk flexor and extensor muscles with isokinetic dynamometer.MethodsThis is a systematic review using PubMed, CENTRAL, LILACS, PEDro and SCOPUS databases, searching the oldest records up to December 2019. The risk of bias, the methodological quality and the level of evidence were evaluated using the COSMIN checklist.ResultsFourteen articles have met the criteria and have been included in this study. All the articles performed an isometric or isokinetic evaluation of the trunk muscles with the isokinetic dynamometer and presented an analysis of the protocol’s reliability using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Five articles had excellent reliability (0.93–0.98). Most of the studies presented doubtful and inconsistent psychometric values for reliability, because they used a short period between tests. The level of evidence to the fourteen selected articles for reliability was moderate.ConclusionsAlthough the studies present limitations in methodological quality, it was possible to identify highly reliable patterns in the parameters employed and to present recommendations for the assessment of trunk flexor and extensor muscles in the isokinetic dynamometer, both for assessment in the sitting position and orthostatic.     

The isokinetic rotator cuff strength ratios in overhead athletes: Assessment and exercise effect

ObjectiveMuscle strength imbalance in the shoulder region can be considered as a predisposing factor in the development of movement dysfunctions, possibly leading to overuse injuries. Repetitive overhead throwing, performed in sports, may result in muscle imbalance between the external (ER) and internal (IR) rotators. Muscle strength measured with an isokinetic device, is reported as a concentric (CON) or eccentric (ECC) force. The balance between an agonist and an antagonist is mentioned as a ratio (CON/CON or ECC/CON). The aim of this systematic literature review is to provide an overview of the existing evidence considering the isokinetic muscle strength ratios of ER and IR of the shoulder in healthy overhead athletes. In addition, the effect of exercise programs on these ratios was investigated.MethodsTwo online databases (Web of Science and PubMed) were consulted using different search strategies. Articles were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. All included articles were assessed on their methodological quality.Results and conclusionsThere is moderate evidence for a lower functional deceleration ratio (ECC ER/CON IR) at the dominant side. This lower ratio is due to a large overweight of CON IR strength on that side. There is no consensus about which exercise program is the most effective in altering the shoulder isokinetic strength ratios.     

The efficacy of elastic therapeutic tape variations on measures of ankle function and performance

ObjectivesTo investigate the effects of different variations of elastic therapeutic taping (ETT) on tests used to screen for ankle injury risk and function.DesignRandomized crossover.SettingLaboratory.ParticipantsTwelve professional male soccer players completed three experimental trials: No tape (NT), RockTape™ (RT), and Kinesio™ Tape (KT) applied to the ankle complex.Outcome MeasuresClinical and functional ankle screening tests were used to assess the effects of ETT on measures of joint position sense, postural stability and ground reaction forces.ResultsKT (P = 0.04) and RT (P = 0.01) demonstrated significant improvements in end range joint position sense. When compared to NT, RT significantly (P = 0.02) improved mid-range joint position sense at 15°, and time to complete a drop landing task. No significant differences were observed for measures of postural stability (P ≥ 0.12) nor ground reaction force variables (P ≥ 0.33).ConclusionsResults advocate the use of ETT for proprioceptive and functional tasks when applied to the ankles of healthy male soccer players. However, a greater number of practical and significant differences were observed when RT only was applied, indicating that practitioners may potentially advocate the use of RT for tasks requiring proprioception and functional performance.     

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.     

Knee isokinetic muscle strength and balance ratio in female soccer players of different age groups: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT

Background: As a consequence of years of soccer training and sexual maturation, there is an increase in lower body muscle mass and strength especially in the knee extensors and flexors muscles. In this context, the lack of knee joint stability, resulting from strength imbalance between knee extensor and flexors muscles, has been associated with knee injuries. The aim of this study was to compare the knee flexor and extensor muscle peak torque, average power, contralateral deficit, conventional and functional balance ratios of female soccer players from different age groups.

Methods: Sixty-six female soccer players were divided into four groups: under 13 (U13), under 15 (U15), under 17 (U17) years old and professional (PRO). Flexor and extensor knee muscle strength in concentric and eccentric actions of both limbs were assessed using isokinetic dynamometer.

Results: For the dominant limb, the knee concentric extensor muscles peak torques, assessed at 60 and at 240 deg/sec, and the average power of U15 group were significantly higher than U13 group. Extensor muscle average power of the PRO group was higher than U17. Dominant knee flexor average power of U15 was significantly higher than the U13 group. Peak torque at 60 deg/sec and 240 deg/sec and average power of the PRO group were higher than the U17 group. No differences were found regarding the eccentric action for flexor and extensor muscles. Conventional and functional balance ratios were similar among all age group, except for U13, which presented higher values than the U15 group for the dominant limb.

Conclusions: The greatest improvement in muscular performance occur when the athlete starts practicing soccer (after U13) and when they become professional (after U17) and the balance ratios, and muscle balance ratios remain stable in all age groups, although they are below the recommended level in the literature, which may increase the risk for lower limb injury.     

The relationship between isokinetic quadriceps strength and laxity on gait analysis parameters in anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed knees

Gait alterations after ACL reconstruction have been reported in the literature. The current study examined a group of 14 patients who all had an ACL reconstruction with a patellar tendon autograft. Kinetic and kinematic data were obtained from the knee during walking. The flexion-extension deficit (FED) calculated from the angular difference between maximal flexion and maximal extension during the stance phase in the ACL-reconstructed and the normal knee was measured. We investigated whether these alterations in gait are related to quadriceps strength and residual laxity of the knee. It may be that patients modify their gait patterns to protect the knee from excessive anterior translation of the tibia by reducing the amount of extension during stance. On the other hand, persistent quadriceps weakness may also cause changes in gait patterns as the quadriceps is functioning as an important dynamic stabilizer of the knee during stance. Results showed that patients had a significantly higher FED value (4.9±4.0) than a healthy control group in a previous study (1.3±0.9). This is caused mainly by an extension deficit during midstance. External extension moments of the knee (T_ZMAX were significantly lower in the current patients group than in a healthy control group (T_ZMAX –0.27±0.19 Nm/kg in patients vs. –0.08±0.06 Nm/kg in controls). There were no significant correlations between quadriceps strength and gait analysis parameters. Furthermore no correlation was found between the amount of laxity of the knee and gait. The relevance of this study lies in the fact that apparently the measured gait alterations cannot be explained solely by often used biomechanical indicators such as laxity and strength. The measured gait alterations may be a result of the surgical procedure with subsequent modified motor programming.     

Lower-leg Kinesio tape reduces rate of loading in participants with medial tibial stress syndrome

ContextMedial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) is an overuse injury occurring among the physically active. Linked to increased strain on the medial tendons of the ankle, studies emphasize controlling medial foot loading in the management of this condition. Kinesio taping (KT) has gained popularity for treating musculoskeletal pathologies; however, its effect on MTSS remains uninvestigated. This study aimed to determine if healthy participants and patients with current or previous history of MTSS differ in the rate of loading, and if KT affects plantar pressures in these participants.MethodsTwenty healthy participants and 20 participants with current or previous history of MTSS were recruited and walked across a plantar pressure mat prior to KT application, immediately after application, and after 24-h of continued use. Time-to-peak force was measured in 6 foot areas and compared across groups and conditions.ResultsANOVA revealed a significant interaction between group, condition, and foot area (F = 1.990, p = 0.033). MTSS participants presented with lower medial midfoot time-to-peak force before tape application (95%CI: 0.014–0.160%, p = 0.021) that significantly increased following tape application (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThese results suggest that KT decreases the rate of medial loading in MTSS patients. Future research might assess mechanisms by which this effect is achieved.     

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.     

Interseason variability in isokinetic strength and poor correlation with Nordic hamstring eccentric strength in football players

In elite sport, the use of strength testing to establish muscle function and performance is common. Traditionally, isokinetic strength tests have been used, measuring torque during concentric and eccentric muscle action. A device that measures eccentric hamstring muscle strength while performing the Nordic hamstring exercise is now also frequently used. The study aimed to investigate the variability of isokinetic muscle strength over time, for example, between seasons, and the relationship between isokinetic testing and the new Nordic hamstring exercise device. All teams (n = 18) eligible to compete in the premier football league in Qatar underwent a comprehensive strength assessment during their periodic health evaluation at Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital in Qatar. Isokinetic strength was investigated for measurement error, and correlated to Nordic hamstring exercise strength. Of the 529 players included, 288 players had repeated tests with 1/2 seasons between test occasions. Variability (measurement error) between test occasions was substantial, as demonstrated by the measurement error (approximately 25 Nm, 15%), whether separated by 1 or 2 seasons. Considering hamstring injuries, the same pattern was observed among injured (n = 60) and uninjured (n = 228) players. A poor correlation (r  = .35) was observed between peak isokinetic hamstring eccentric torque and Nordic hamstring exercise peak force. The strength imbalance between limbs calculated for both test modes was not correlated (r  = .037). There is substantial intraindividual variability in all isokinetic test measures, whether separated by 1 or 2 seasons, irrespective of injury. Also, eccentric hamstring strength and limb‐to‐limb imbalance were poorly correlated between the isokinetic and Nordic hamstring exercise tests.     

Can glenohumeral joint isokinetic strength and range of movement predict injury in professional rugby league

ObjectiveTo isokinetically record shoulder strength scores and range of motion in a professional rugby league squad. To prospectively monitor injuries over a season looking for associations between measured variables and injury.DesignA cohort study design involving prospective screening of risk factors with subsequent injury surveillance.SettingUniversity Sports Science Laboratory and Professional Rugby League Club.ParticipantsAll players participating in the clubs reserve team squad for the 2011 season (n = 20).Main outcome measuresConcentric (Con) and eccentric (Ecc) peak torque values; ratio of Ecc internal rotation IR to Con external rotation ER, also known as the dynamic control ratio (DCR), shoulder range of IR and ER.ResultsEight players (36%) received a total of eleven injuries over the season. There were no statistically significant differences between injured and non-injured shoulders. IR range of movement was significantly lower in injured versus non-injured groups with left (p = 0.022) and right (p = 0.024). Left IR range of movement was predictive of injury using binary logistic regression (p = 0.046). No isokinetic strength parameters reached statistical significance (p > 0.05) for prediction of injury; however size effects were apparent for reduced con IR of the left shoulder and Ecc IR of both shoulders.ConclusionReduced shoulder IR range appears predictive of future shoulder injury although caution is drawn due to small participant numbers. Injury prevention strategies for rugby league players should include exercises to improve shoulder IR and possibly Ecc IR strength.     

Kinesio taping effect on quadriceps strength and lower limb function of healthy individuals: A blinded,controlled, randomized,clinical trial

ObjectivesTo analyze kinesio taping (KT) effect on quadriceps strength and lower limb function over a 7-day period.DesignBlind randomized clinical trial.SettingHospital's Physical Therapy Department.ParticipantsSixty healthy individuals (30 men and 30 women) were randomly distributed into three groups: Control – without KT application; Placebo – placebo KT application and Experimental - A KT application designed to stimulate quadriceps femoris activity.Main outcome measuresThe quadriceps strength was measured using a manual dynamometer whereas lower limb function was assessed using the Single Hop Test for Distance. Evaluations occurred at five time-points: baseline; immediately, 3 and 5 days after KT application; and 72 h post KT withdrawal.ResultsThere was no significant interaction between time-points and groups for muscle strength: dominant (P = 0.13) and non-dominant (P = 0.41) and lower limb function: dominant (P = 0.09) and non-dominant (P = 0.53); but lower limb function within-group comparisons showed improvements in all groups at the evolution of all time-points analyzed for both limbs (P = 0.001). This is possibly due to a learning effect as the participants became more familiar with executing the assessment tests.ConclusionKT did not improve quadriceps strength and lower limb function of healthy individuals and its application with these objectives should be reconsidered.     

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.     

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.     

An isokinetic profile of trunk rotation strength in elite tennis players

PURPOSE: The changes in stroke production in the modern game of tennis have increased the demands on trunk rotation in elite tennis players. Unlike the shoulder, where unilateral strength adaptations have been identified, no study to date has objectively quantified side to side rotational trunk strength in elite tennis players. METHODS: One hundred nine elite tennis players were tested using a Cybex isokinetic torso rotation unit at 60 and 120 degrees x s(-1) to measure left and right rotation while stabilized in a seated position. A repeated-measures ANOVA was used with post hoc dependent t-tests where main effect differences were identified to determine side to side rotational differences. RESULTS: No significant difference in trunk rotation strength was measured in the elite male players. Peak torque to body weight ratios averaged 63.7 and 57.5% for forehand rotation (left rotation in right-handed player) and 64.4 and 59.2% for backhand rotation at 60 and 120 degrees x s(-1), respectively. In females, slightly greater (P < 0.001) backhand rotation strength (right rotation in a right-handed player) was measured at both testing speeds with peak torque to body weight ratios ranging between 47.7 and 45.1% for left rotation and 50.8 and 48.3% for right rotation at 60 and 120 degrees x s(-1), respectively. Left rotation/right rotation ratios ranged from 95 to 98% for males and from 94 to 96% for females. CONCLUSIONS: Elite-level male tennis players have symmetric trunk rotation strength. Elite female tennis players have slightly greater backhand rotation strength (by 4-8%) than forehand rotation. Conditioning programs for elite tennis players should include exercises to facilitate and develop bilateral trunk rotation.