The Effect of Kinesio taping on peak torque and muscle activity of quadriceps muscle in healthy subjects

Abstract

Kinesio Taping (KT) is widely used by physical therapists to treat a variety of neuromusculoskeletal disorders. In this study it was examined whether or not KT has an effect on the peak torque and muscle activity of the quadriceps muscles in healthy subjects. KT was applied to the anterior thigh and tibia of fifteen healthy males (mean age, 25.42<TEX>${\pm}$</TEX>1.38 years, mean body height 178.58<TEX>${\pm}$</TEX>3.03 cm, mean body weight 71.58<TEX>${\pm}$</TEX>6.42 kg) who have no problem within past 2 months. The quadriceps peak torque was assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer while the mean data of muscle activity was measured by surface electromyography (EMG). The maximal voluntary isometric contraction was carried out on all subjects at <TEX>$0^{\circ}$</TEX>, <TEX>$30^{\circ}$</TEX> and <TEX>$60^{\circ}$</TEX> before, during, and after KT. There were no significant differences in the peak torque and mean data of quadriceps muscle(vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, and vastus medialis oblique) activity at <TEX>$0^{\circ}$</TEX>, <TEX>$30^{\circ}$</TEX> and <TEX>$60^{\circ}$</TEX> before, during and after application of KT (p>.05). From this study it could be concluded that the application of KT to the anterior thigh and tibia doesn't affect the peak torque and the muscle activity.