Effects of Stability by Using Different Types of Taping on Knee Joint during a Jump-stop Task

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of stability by using different types of taping on knee joint during a jump-stop task. Eight healthy males (aged=19.5±1.2 year, height=174.3±5.9 cm, weight=65.9±4.2 kg) were participated in this study. All the participants performed a jump-stop task under three knee taping conditions (traditional taping, Kinesio taping and non-taping). A high speed camera (Mega Speed 30 Ks), two AMTI force plates and four Biovision electromyography (EMG) systems were used synchronously to collect kinematic, kinetic and EMG data during the landing phase. The Kwon3D and DASYLab 6.0 software were used for further analyses of the data. The results indicated that smaller maximal anteroposterior force and fewer displacement of anteroposterior center of pressure were observed under the traditional and Kinesio taping conditions than the non-taping condition. A smaller average loading rate was reported with the Kinesio taping compared to the non-taping. Regarding kinematic parameters, an increased knee flexion angle at peak impact was observed under the traditional and Kinesio taping conditions than the non-taping condition. A larger maximum knee flexion angle was reported under the Kinesio taping compared to the non-taping. Furthermore, smaller mean EMG amplitudes were found in the rectus femoris and gastrocnemius muscles under the traditional and Kinesio taping conditions. The study concluded that the traditional and Kinesio taping techniques effectively increases the stability by giving a strong support and limiting the forward displacement of the anterior cruciate ligament at a jump-stop task. The Kinesio taping is also beneficial to increase the range of motion of knee joint.