A Comparison of "Straight" and "Crossed" Knee Wrap Taping Methods on Isokinetic Torque

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine if there were statistically significant differences in the effects of two commonly used knee wrap taping methods ("straight" and "crossed") on peak torque and the angle at which peak torque occurred in highly strength trained collegiate athletes. METHODS: Twelve healthy male, highly strength trained competitive collegiate athletes, ranging in age from 18-23, were utilized in this study. A CSMI Humac Norm isokinetic extremity testing system was used to evaluate peak torque and the angle at which peak torque occurred during continuous passive movement isokinetic leg extension with knees (a) unwrapped and (b) wrapped (utilizing both the "straight" and "crossed" taping methods). Paired samples t-tests were used to determine if there were statistically significant differences in peak torque and the angle at which peak torque occurred during the testing conditions. Alpha levels were set a priori at 0.05 to determine statistical significance. RESULTS (reported by mean change + SD): The changes in peak torque utilizing both the "straight" taping method (25.1 + 13.2 ft-lb) and the "crossed" taping method (34.3 + 21.2 ft-lb) were significant (p< 0.000) compared to the unwrapped condition. The mean difference in peak torque between the two taping methods (14.7 + 24.2 ft-lb) was also significant (p<0.024) with the "crossed" taping method eliciting greater peak torque. The changes in the angle at which peak torque occurred utilizing both the "straight" taping method (67.1 + 31.8 degrees) and the "crossed" taping method (80.2 + 21.4 degrees) were also significant (p< 0.000) compared to the unwrapped condition. The mean difference in the angle at which peak torque occurred between the two taping methods (13.1 + 27.5 degrees) was not significant (p<0.068). CONCLUSIONS: The data from this study indicate that the use of knee wraps, regardless of either the "straight" or "crossed" taping method, significantly improve peak torque and the angle at which peak torque occurs in highly strength trained male collegiate athletes. The data also indicate that the "crossed" taping method brings about significantly greater peak torque than the "straight" taping method and that there is no significant difference between taping methods with respect to the angle at which peak torque occurs.