Effects of Different Taping Pressures of Wrist Taping Using Rigid Tape on Grip Strength Exertion

Abstract

In general, wrist taping is performed using a rigid tape. The present study aimed to examine the effect on grip strength exertion due to different taping pressures on the wrist joint using rigid tape. Subjects were 25 male university students (mean age, 20.2 ± 0.8 years) with over 5 years of athletic experience. The wrists of the subjects were taped using one piece of rigid tape wound three times around the wrist joint, including the radial and ulnar styloid processes. Furthermore, taping pressure was adjusted by the pressure measuring system AMI3037-SB, and the sensor was set on the palmaris longus muscle tendon of the dominant wrist. Independent variables included four taping pressure conditions (5, 30, 60, and 90 hPa) and a control (no tape) condition. Statistical analysis showed that grip strength exertion was significantly lower in the 90 hPa condition than in the control condition, but the difference was small (effect size = 0.26). In conclusion, wrist taping pressure conditions lower than 60 hPa had little effect on grip strength exertion. However, pressure conditions of 90 hPa slightly decreased grip strength and may interrupt blood flow.