The effect of the application direction of the kinesiology tape on the strength of fatigued quadriceps muscles in athletes

Res Sports Med. 2019 Jan-Mar;27(1):1-10. doi: 10.1080/15438627.2018.1502187. Epub 2018 Jul 20.

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effects of application direction of the kinesiology tape on the strength of fatigued quadriceps muscles, and included 15 athletes (mean: age, 19.53 ± 2.42 years; height, 176.93 ± 6.9 cm; weight, 72.87 ± 13.02 kg). The kinesiology tape was randomly applied to the quadriceps from origin to insertion (n = 7) or from insertion to origin (n = 8) after inducing quadriceps muscle fatigue. After 1 week, the kinesiology tape was applied in the opposite direction (insertion to origin [n = 7] or origin to insertion [n = 8]) after inducing quadriceps muscle fatigue. The peak torque of the fatigued quadriceps muscles was measured before and after tape application. Increased peak torque values were observed irrespective of the direction of taping. No significant differences were noted in the peak torque of the fatigued quadriceps muscles with respect to application direction. Kinesiology tape application may improve the strength of fatigued quadriceps muscles regardless of application direction.

Keywords: Isokinetic; direction; fatigue; kinesiology tape; peak torque.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Athletes
  • Athletic Tape*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Muscle Fatigue*
  • Muscle Strength*
  • Quadriceps Muscle / physiology*
  • Torque
  • Young Adult