Effect of two different kinesio taping techniques on knee kinematics and kinetics in young females

[Purpose] The application of kinesio taping may improve strength and performance, inhibitand facilitate motor activity, and increase range of motion. The aim of this study was tocompare the effects of kinesio taping facilitation and inhibition applications onspatiotemporal knee kinematics and kinetics during walking activity in healthy subjects.[Subjects and Methods] A three-dimensional quantitative gait evaluation was performedwithout tape and with, facilitation and inhibition kinesio taping application on the knee.Sixteen healthy female college students (age, 19.7 ± 0.4 years; height, 1.64 ± 3.4 cm;body mass, 51.5 ± 4.8 kg) participated in the study. [Results] Spatiotemporal parameters(cadence, walking speed, stride length) were significantly different among the trials.Knee joint sagittal plane range of motion was not different with either kinesio tapingapplication. Knee external flexion moment during the early stance phase decreasedsignificantly with facilitation kinesio taping and increased with the inhibition kinesiotaping. Knee external extension moment during the mid-stance phase increased withfacilitation kinesio taping. Knee power parameters, eccentric activity in the rectusfemoris during the pre-swing phase was significantly increased with inhibition kinesiotaping application, while eccentric activity of the hamstrings during the terminal swingof gait was decreased. [Conclusion] These findings showed that facilitation kinesio tapingapplication affected the terminal stance phase and that inhibition kinesio tapinginfluenced the terminal swing phase compared with the no tape condition.Key words: Kinesio tape, Knee joint, Gait analysis