Effects of kinesiology taping on repositioning error of the knee joint after quadriceps muscle fatigue

Factors that influence the angular error in active knee angle reproduction tests: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

The systematic review and meta-analysis investigated subject-independent test factors that influence the absolute angle error in active knee angle reproduction tests.

Methods

Five electronic databases were searched to identify relevant studies published before 20 December 2023. Studies were included that were published in either English or German and that investigated joint proprioception in the healthy knee. Included studies were also required to have participants 18-60 years old and free of lower-limb injury, neurological disorders and diseases affecting joint position sense. Risk of bias was assessed using a Cochrane risk-of-bias tool.

Results

Of the 2023 articles identified, 26 studies (1082 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed a significant pooled standard mean difference in the absolute angular error for body orientation, direction of movement and fatigue. Active knee angle reproduction tests were found to have a lower absolute angular error when performed in the sitting position compared to the prone position (SMD = -0.56; 95% CI = -1.00 to -0.12). The absolute angular error was found to be greater in cases of knee flexion compared to knee extension (SMD = 0.71; 95% CI = 0.18-1.24). General and local muscle fatigue were found to result in a higher absolute angular error (SMD = 1.39; 95% CI = 1.04-1.75).

Conclusion

Hence, fatigue, body orientation and direction of movement influence the extent of the absolute angular error in active knee angle reproduction tests. Practitioners should be aware that the test conditions and the patient's level of fatigue can affect the results of such tests and that directly comparing results obtained using different test protocols may not be appropriate. The test protocol should be well documented and applied consistently in the clinical setting.

Level of Evidence

Level III, systematic review with meta-analysis.

Immediate effects of kinesiology tape on quadriceps muscle peak torque and knee joint repositioning error in healthy males: Effects of different tensions and directions

BACKGROUND

Knee joint injuries may result from compromised quadriceps muscle strength or diminished knee joint proprioception. The application of Kinesio tape (KT) on the quadriceps muscle from origin to insertion (OTI-KT) or insertion to origin (ITO-KT) could impact knee joint proprioception and quadriceps muscle strength. This study aims to assess the effects of different tensions and directions of KT application on active and passive knee joint repositioning errors (AJRE and PJRE) and peak concentric and eccentric peak torque (CPT and EPT) of the quadriceps muscles in healthy males.

METHOD

Twenty-one healthy males participated in this repeated-measures study design. CPT, EPT, AJRE, and PJRE of the dominant limb were measured by a Biodex dynamometer before and after applying OTI-KT with 0%, 15%, and 40% extra tensions and ITO-KT with 0% tension.

RESULTS

ITO-KT demonstrated a significant reduction in AJRE (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, for OTI-KT, a statistically significant difference was observed in both AJRE and PJRE concerning time (F1,126 = 19.74, p < 0.05 for AJRE; F1,126 = 9.96, p < 0.05 for PJRE) and tension (F2,126 = 22.14, p < 0.05 for AJRE; F2,126 = 20.67, p < 0.05 for PJRE).

CONCLUSION

Applying KT, especially OTI KT with 40% and 15% extra tension, shows potential in enhancing knee proprioception without immediate impacts on quadriceps muscle torque. This suggests applications in sports performance and knee injury rehabilitation.

Kinesio Taping Increases Peak Torque of Quadriceps Muscle After Arthroscopic Meniscectomy, Double-Blinded RCT

Purpose

This study was conducted to release the debate and examine the short-term impact of KT on the quadriceps muscle following arthroscopic surgery for partial meniscectomy.

Patients and Methods

As part of a double-blind, randomized controlled trial, 40 people who had an arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) were randomly put into two groups, A and B. Group A received Kinesio tape (KT) for the superficial heads of the quadriceps muscle, while group B received placebo KTk. After 10 minutes of KT application, the peak torque of both groups was measured using a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer.

Results

Peak torque showed a significant increase in group A in comparison with group B during angular velocity 60◦/Sec. (F (1, 130) = 58.9, p <0.001, ƞ2 =0.31) and during angular velocity 180◦/Sec. (F (1, 38) = 25.0, p <0.001, ƞ2 =0.40).

Conclusion

After APM, individuals experienced an immediate and significant improvement in the quadriceps' peak torque following KT application to the Rectus femoris, Vastus medialis, and Vastus lateralis muscles from origin to insertion.

The effectiveness of fatigue on repositioning sense of lower extremities: systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

An injury can significantly harm both individual and team performance. One of the most important risk factors for sports-related injuries, especially non-collision injuries, is fatigue. It seems that poor proprioception may play an essential role to impose athletes to further injuries. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the effectiveness of fatigue on the repositioning sense of the lower extremity joints.

METHOD

The electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar were systematically searched from inception to 11January 2024. The obtained records were exported to the EndNote Software version 8. Then, two investigators examined the records independently to find eligible studies based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria. In the case of disagreements, a consequence method was utilized. The quality of the eligible studies was evaluated using the Downs and Black checklist. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software ver. 3 software was used for statistical analysis. Q-test and I2 were employed to examine the data homogeneity. In addition, considering the risk of bias, the Funnel Plot and trim-and-fill method were used.

RESULTS

After reviewing the titles and abstracts of 3883 studies found in the selected databases, 43 articles were found to be eligible to include in meta-analyses. The results showed that fatigue led to a significant increase in the active absolute error of the knee (SDM = 0.524, 95% CI = 0.406-0.841), ankle in the horizontal plane (SDM = 0.541, 95% CI = 0.367-0.715), ankle in the sagittal plane (SDM = 0.443, 95% CI = 0.088-0.798), and hip (SDM = 0.988, 95% CI = 0.135-1.841). However, fatigue had no significant effects on the passive absolute error of the knee and ankle in horizontal plane and relative angular error of the knee.

CONCLUSION

Fatigue can diminish the active joint position sense of the lower extremities and thus may increase the risk of injury by reducing proprioception. Therefore, future research could be conducted to investigate the potential impact of integrated fatigue-mitigating exercises into athletes' training programs, with the aim of reducing the incidence of sports-related injuries.

Effects of trunk extensor muscle fatigue on repetitive lift (re)training using an augmented tactile feedback approach

Augmented tactile and performance feedback has been used to (re)train a modified lifting technique to reduce lumbar spine flexion, which has been associated with low back disorder development during occupational repetitive lifting tasks. However, it remains unknown if the presence of trunk extensor neuromuscular fatigue influences learning of this modified lifting technique. Therefore, we compared the effectiveness of using augmented tactile and performance feedback to reduce lumbar spine flexion during a repetitive lifting task, in both unfatigued and fatigued states. Participants completed repetitive lifting tests immediately before and after training, and 1-week later, with half of the participants completing training after fatiguing their trunk extensor muscles. Both groups demonstrated learning of the modified lifting technique as demonstrated by increased thorax-pelvis coordination variability and reduced lumbar range of motion variability; however, experiencing trunk extensor neuromuscular fatigue during lift (re)training may have slight negative influences on learning the modified lifting technique. Practitioner summary: An augmented lift (re)training paradigm using tactile cueing and performance feedback regarding key movement features (i.e. lumbar spine flexion) can effectively (re)train a modified lifting technique to reduce lumbar flexion and redistribute motion to the hips and knees. However, performing (re)training while fatigued could slightly hinder learning this lifting technique.

Acute Effects of Kinesiology Taping Stretch Tensions on Soleus and Gastrocnemius H-Reflex Modulations

This study examined the acute effects of stretch tensions of kinesiology taping (KT) on the soleus (SOL), medial (MG), and lateral (LG) gastrocnemius Hoffmann-reflex (H-reflex) modulation in physically active healthy adults. A cross-over within-subject design was used in this study. Twelve physically active collegiate students voluntarily participated in the study (age = 21.3 ± 1.2 years; height = 175.6 ± 7.1 cm; body weight = 69.9 ± 7.1 kg). A standard Y-shape of KT technique was applied to the calf muscles. The KT was controlled in three tension intensities in a randomised order: paper-off, 50%, and 100% of maximal stretch tension of the tape. The peak-to-peak amplitude of maximal M-wave (M_max) and H-reflex (H_max) responses in the SOL, MG, and LG muscles were assessed before taping (pre-taping), taping, and after taping (post-taping) phases in the lying prone position. The results demonstrated significantly larger LG H_max responses in the pre-taping condition than those in the post-taping condition during paper-off KT (p = 0.002). Moreover, the ΔH_max/M_max of pre- and post-taping in the SOL muscle was significantly larger during 50%KT tension than that of paper-off (p = 0.046). In conclusion, the stretch tension of KT contributes minor influence on the spinal motoneuron excitability in the triceps surae during rest.

Effect of verbal encouragement on quadriceps and knee joint function during three sets of knee extension exercise

BACKGROUND: Although the common practice of verbal encouragement is scientifically supported, its effect on the maintenance of force output in fatiguing exertions is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of verbal encouragement on exercise-induced quadriceps and knee joint function during three sets of knee extension exercise. METHODS: Sixty-five healthy males (23.3 years, 175.8 cm, 75.3 kg) underwent testing using the administration of verbal encouragement (n= 32) or not (n= 33) during assessment of quadriceps and knee joint function. Assessments were performed at baseline and times 1, 2, and 3. The knee concentric isokinetic extension at 60∘/s, was performed between the time points. For quadriceps function, maximal isometric strength and activation (central activation ratio) were recorded. Absolute error values on knee flexion replications at 15∘ or 45∘ were recorded for knee joint function. RESULTS: There was no verbal encouragement effect over three sets of exercise in quadriceps strength (condition × time: F3,189= 1.71, p= 0.17) and knee flexion replication (condition × time for 15∘: F3,189= 0.11, p= 0.96; 45∘: F3,189= 0.63, p= 0.6). However, subjects who had received verbal encouragement maintained quadriceps activation (condition × time: F3,189= 5.49, p= 0.001). Specifically, quadriceps activation in the verbal condition was 3.0% higher at time 2 (p= 0.01) and 4.7% higher at time 3 (p= 0.0003) versus in the non-verbal condition. CONCLUSIONS: Verbal encouragement appears to be effective in maintaining central activation, but is insufficient for promoting strength. This supports the idea that peripheral contributing factors play a larger role in force production when performing multiple sets of exercises.

Kinesiology Taping in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Acute Effects on Performance, Gait Characteristics, and Balance

AIM

This study was aimed to investigate the acute effects of kinesiology taping (KT) on physical performance, gait characteristics, and balance in early-stage Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).

METHOD

Forty-five children at early functional level of DMD were included. 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and timed performance tests were performed; gait characteristics, and balance were assessed before and one hour after taping. KT was applied to bilateral quadriceps and tibialis anterior muscles. The comparison of assessments was performed by using Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test.

RESULTS

Significant increase in the distance of 6MWT, decrease in the duration of descending 4 steps, and 10 m walk timed performance tests, improvements in all of the gait characteristics, and balance were determined after taping (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

KT has positive acute effects on performance and gait of children with DMD at early functional level which encourages therapists to use KT as a complementary approach in rehabilitation programs.

Effect of Force Level and Gender on Pinch Force Perception in Healthy Adults

This study investigated the effects of both force level and gender on pinch force reproduction errors in normal participants during an ipsilateral force reproduction task. In total, 20 healthy participants were asked to generate a range of levels of reference forces ranging from 5% to 60% maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) in increments of 5% MVIC using the tip pinch and to reproduce these forces using the same hand. The results showed that the males more accurately and consistently reproduced the forces than did the females, and the most accurate estimation occurred at approximately 20% to 35% MVIC. This finding can help us better understand the reasons for the higher rate of musculoskeletal disorders in females than in males and to develop tools and preventive strategies to decrease the rate of hand injuries in both genders.

Test-retest reliability of tip, key, and palmar pinch force sense in healthy adults

Background

No previous studies have investigated the test–retest reliability of tip, key, and palmar pinch force sense in healthy adults. The present study explores the test-retest reliability of tip, key, and palmar pinch force sense for different force levels in healthy adults during an ipsilateral force reproduction task.

Methods

Fifty-six healthy subjects were instructed to produce varying levels of reference forces (10, 30, and 50% maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC)) using three types of pinches (tip pinch, palmar pinch, and key pinch) and to reproduce these forces using the same hand. The subjects were tested twice by the same experienced testers, 1 week apart.

Results

Based on the high values of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), the tip pinch (0.783–0.895) and palmar pinch (0.752–0.903) force sense tests demonstrated good reliability for all the variables. The ICCs for the key pinch (0.712–0.881) indicated fair to good relative test-retest reliability.

Conclusion

1) This study demonstrates that high test-retest reliability of tip, key, and palmar pinch force sense in healthy adults can be achieved using standardized positioning and the proposed approach. 2) According to the reliability measurements, 30 and 50% maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) are the most reliable pinch force sense levels.

Immediate effect of patellar kinesiology tape application on quadriceps peak moment following muscle fatigue: A randomized controlled study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the immediate effect of horseshoe taping for patellar superior and inferior gliding (HTPSG and HTPIG, respectively) using kinesiology tape on the peak moment of fatigued quadriceps.

METHODS

Twenty-eight adults were divided into the HTPSG (experimental) and HTPIG (control) groups. The peak moment of the dominant quadriceps of the participants was measured using Biodex System 4 prior to the experiment and after inducing quadriceps fatigue. The peak moment of the quadriceps was measured after separate application of HTPSG and HTPIG using kinesiology tape.

RESULTS

After kinesiology tape application, the peak moment of the quadriceps muscle was significantly increased in both groups (p<.05); however, the peak moment of the fatigued quadriceps muscle was significantly higher in the HTPSG group than in the HTPIG group (p<.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The application of HTPSG using kinesiology tape would more be helpful for immediate recovery after exercise-induced quadriceps fatigue.

Effect of Gastrocnemius Kinesio Taping on Countermovement Jump Performance and Vertical Stiffness Following Muscle Fatigue

Context: Kinesio tape (KT) is a widely used intervention in the fields of sports and rehabilitation. However, its effects on lower-extremity behavior during functional activities are not entirely known. Objective: To test the hypothesis that application of KT can change performance and vertical stiffness (VS) during the countermovement jump (CMJ) before and after a fatigue protocol. Design: A predesign and postdesign to study the effect of KT in 2 situations, prefatigue and postfatigue. In each fatiguing condition, there were 2 conditions with and without KT application on the gastrocnemius muscle. Setting: Biomechanics laboratory. Participants: Fifty healthy, nonathlete participants (26 females and 24 males). Interventions: KT application on the gastrocnemius muscle and a fatigue protocol to induce fatigue in plantar flexor muscles. Main Outcome Measures: Various jumping parameters, including jump height, maximum force, maximum power, rate of force development, eccentric lower-limb stiffness, and VS, were calculated using the vertical ground reaction force data. Eccentric lower-limb stiffness and VS were calculated using a mass-spring model. The studied variables can present lower-extremity elastic behavior and performance during CMJ. Results: The results of a 2-way repeated-measures analysis of variance showed no significant effect for KT application. Fatigue resulted in lower values of jump height, maximum power, and VS. Moreover, male subjects showed greater values of jump height, maximum force, and maximum power than did females. Conclusions: The main finding of this study was that gastrocnemius KT has no effect on performance or elastic behavior of the lower-extremity during CMJ. Moreover, KT cannot reduce the adverse effect of fatigue in a functional activity such as CMJ. It seems that gastrocnemius KT is not effective for demanding activities.

Effect of kinesiology tape application direction on quadriceps strength

BACKGROUND

Controversy exists regarding whether the kinesiology tape application direction affects muscle strength.

METHODS

Eighteen healthy volunteers (12 men, 6 women) participated. Kinesiology tape was randomly applied to the quadriceps muscles either from origin to insertion or from insertion to origin. A Biodex isokinetic dynamometer was used to measure the peak torque of the quadriceps pre-and post-taping.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in muscle strength after taping, regardless of the kinesiology tape application direction. There were no significant differences in the peak torque of the quadriceps between the 2 kinesiology tape application directions.

CONCLUSIONS

The application of kinesiology tape application to the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, and vastus lateralis of the quadriceps increased the muscle torque, regardless of the tape application direction. Therefore, to enhance quadriceps strength, we recommend the application of kinesiology tape to 3 of the muscles of the quadriceps (specifically, the rectus femoris, vastus medialis and vastus lateralis), irrespective of the tape application direction.

Does Kinesiology tape counter exercise-related impairments of balance in the elderly?

BACKGROUND

Maintaining balance is an essential requirement for the performance of daily tasks and sporting activities, particularly in older adults to prevent falls and associated injuries. Kinesiology tape has gained great popularity in sports and is frequently used as a tool for performance enhancement. However, there is little research investigating its influence on balance.

RESEARCH QUESTION

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Kinesiology tape on dynamic balance, postural stability and knee proprioception after physical activity in healthy, older adults.

METHODS

Twelve physically active, healthy men aged 63-77 years performed the test on two separate days, with and without Kinesiology tape at the knee joint (prospective intervention with cross-over design). Dynamic balance during an obstacle-crossing task, postural stability in a single-leg stance test, and knee joint position sense as a measure of proprioception were examined before and after 30 min of downhill walking on a treadmill. The influences of taping condition and physical activity on all parameters were statistically tested using factorial ANOVAs.

RESULTS

Factorial ANOVA revealed significant time × taping condition interaction effects on all performance parameters (p < 0.05), indicating that the exercise-related changes in dynamic balance, postural stability and knee proprioception differed between the two taping conditions. The deterioration of performance was always greater when no tape was used.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study demonstrated that physical exercise significantly deteriorated dynamic balance, postural stability and knee proprioception in older men. These effects can be attenuated through the usage of Kinesiology tape. By preventing exercise-related impairments of balance, Kinesiology tape might help reduce the risk of sports-associated falls and associated injuries.

Influence of chronic neck pain on cervical joint position error (JPE): Comparison between young and elderly subjects

BACKGROUND

Evaluation of cervical joint position sense in subjects with chronic neck pain has gained importance in recent times. Different authors have established increased joint position error (JPE) in subjects with acute neck pain. However, there is a paucity of studies to establish the influence of chronic neck pain on cervical JPE.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to understand the influence of chronic neck pain on cervical JPE, and to examine the differences in cervical JPE between young and elderly subjects with chronic neck pain.

METHODS

Forty-two chronic neck pain patients (mean age 47.4) were compared for cervical JPE with 42 age-matched healthy subjects (mean age 47.8), using a digital inclinometer. The cervical JPE were measured in flexion, extension, and rotation in right and left movement directions.

RESULTS

The comparison of JPE showed significantly larger errors in subjects with chronic neck pain when compared to healthy subjects (p< 0.001). The errors were larger in all of the movement directions tested. Comparison between young and older subjects with chronic neck pain revealed no significant differences (P> 0.05) in cervical JPE.

CONCLUSIONS

Cervical joint position sense is impaired in subjects with chronic neck pain.

Eccentric Exercise, Kinesiology Tape, and Balance in Healthy Men

CONTEXT

  Deficits in balance have been identified as a possible risk factor for knee injuries in athletes. Despite a lack of evidence for its effectiveness, kinesiology tape (KT) is widely used to prevent knee injuries.

OBJECTIVE

  To investigate the influence of KT at the knee joint on balance ability in healthy men after eccentric exercise.

DESIGN

  Crossover study.

SETTING

  University laboratory.

PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS

  Twelve young men with no history of lower limb injury volunteered for the study (age = 23.3 ± 2.6 years). All participants were students enrolled in a sports science program.

INTERVENTION(S)

  Participants performed the balance test with and without KT at the knee joint on 2 separate days.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

  The ability to maintain balance was assessed during a single-legged-stance test using a computerized balance-stability test system. The test was performed before and after 30 minutes of downhill walking on a treadmill.

RESULTS

  Eccentric exercise resulted in a deterioration of balance ability, which was attenuated by the use of KT. Further analyses revealed that the effectiveness of KT depended on the participant's balance status, with the preventive effect being greater in participants presenting with poorer baseline balance ability.

CONCLUSIONS

  Applied to the knee joint, KT counteracted the exercise-related deterioration of balance ability observed when no tape was used. Participants presenting with below-average balance ability received more benefit from KT. By preventing exercise-related impairment of balance ability, KT might help to reduce the risk of sport-associated knee injuries.

Association of age on cervical joint position error

This study quantitatively assesses the association between age and cervical joint position error (JPE) and compares JPE between young and older asymptomatic subjects. Subjects (n = 230) ranging in age from 17 to 70 years volunteered to participate in the study. Cervical JPE was measured for all subjects with the active movement angle reproduction test in degrees using a digital inclinometer; testing was done in all cervical movement directions (flexion, extension, side-bending right and left, rotation right and left). Subjects were divided into two groups: young (n = 169, mean age: 32.4 years; range 17–49 years) and older (n = 61, mean age: 61.9 years; range 50–70 years) and JPE was compared. Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficients were significant and positive for the association of age on cervical JPE in flexion (r = 0.71), extension (r = 0.81), side-bending right (r = 0.77), side-bending left (r = 0.84), rotation right (r = 0.84), and rotation left (r = 0.84). JPE was significantly larger (for all movement directions) in the older subject group (P < 0.001). Advancing age was significantly associated with the increasing cervical JPE and older subjects showed greater errors when compared to younger subjects.

Effects of wearing ankle weight on knee joint repositioning sense in the elderly

[Purpose] To investigate the effects of different ankle weights on knee joint repositioning sense in elderly individuals. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-one subjects were divided for assessment as follows: young (20–30 years, n=10) and elderly (60–70 years, n=11). Knee joint repositioning error was measured by asking the subjects to reposition the target angle of their knee joints while wearing different ankle weights (0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%) in an open kinetic chain. The Hawk Digital System (60 Hz; Motion Analysis, Santa Rosa, CA, USA) was used to measure knee joint repositioning error. Differences in knee joint repositioning error between the young and elderly groups according to ankle weight load were examined by using two-way mixed repeated-measures analysis of variance. [Results] The knee joint repositioning error was lower with than without ankle weights in both groups. The error value was lowest with the 1.0% weight, though not significantly. Knee joint repositioning error was significantly higher in the elderly under all the ankle weight conditions. [Conclusion] Knee joint repositioning sense can be improved in elderly individuals by wearing proper ankle weights. However, weights that are too heavy might disturb knee joint positioning sense.

Zhoubo plus uncaria tincture in the treatment of cerebral concussion sequelae

[Purpose] This study investigated the clinical efficacy of the compound gouteng tincture combined with Zhoubo (GT-ZB) in treating the sequelae of cerebral concussion (CC) in children. [Subjects and Methods] Sixty children with CC-sequelae were randomily divided into a treatment group and a control group, with 30 cases in each group. The treatment group was treated using GT-ZB, and the control group was treated using the standard method of venoruton, dibazol, and Vitamin B6. The efficacies of the two treatments were compared. [Results] Compared with the control group, the clinical symptoms and signs in the treatment group were significantly mitigated. [Conclusion] GT-ZB demonstrated efficacy in treating the sequelae of CC in children, and it is worthy of further studies and possible clinical recommendations.

Kinesiotaping enhances the rate of force development but not the neuromuscular efficiency of physically active young men

INTRODUCTION

Investigations on the effects of KT on human performance have been increasing in the last few years. However, there is a paucity of studies investigating its effects on neuromuscular efficiency (NME) and rate of force development (RFD).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the NME and RFD of the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles in physically active individuals under KT application.

METHOD

Twenty young males (79.7±8.2kg; 1.78±0.05m; 24.7±4.4years) performed three conditions in a randomized order: (1) Baseline (BL, no tape); (2) Activation (ACTIKT, tape for muscle activation); and (3) Inhibition (INHIKT, tape for muscle inhibition). The tape was applied along the lateral and medial border of gastrocnemius with 30% tension for 48h. Peak torque (PT), RFD and NME were measured at BL and 48h after ACTIKT and INHIKT by performing a maximum isometric contraction.

RESULTS

The RFD was significantly higher in ACTIKT compared to BL at 0-30 (P=0.010), 0-50 (P=0.008) and 0-100ms (P=0.007). The PT and NME did not differ among conditions (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

KT applied for muscle activation yielded a higher RFD during the initial phase of the muscle contraction. However, KT has no enhancement effect on NME and peak torque.

Cutaneous stimulation at the ankle: a differential effect on proprioceptive postural control according to the participants' preferred sensory strategy

Background

Ankle movements can be partially encoded by cutaneous afferents. However, little is known about the central integration of these cutaneous signals, and whether individual differences exist in this integration. The aim of this study was to determine whether the effect of cutaneous stimulation at the ankle would differ depending on the participants’ preferred sensory strategy appraised by relative proprioceptive weighting (RPw).

Methods

Forty-seven active young individuals free of lower-limb injury stood on a force platform either barefoot or wearing a custom-designed bootee. Vibrations (60 Hz, 0.5 mm) were applied either to the peroneal tendons or to the lumbar paraspinal muscles.

Results

The barefoot RPw was strongly negatively correlated to the absolute change in RPw measured in the bootee condition (r = −0.81, P < 0.001). Participants were then grouped depending on their barefoot RPw value. The RPw was significantly higher in the bootee condition than in the barefoot condition only for participants with low barefoot RPw.

Conclusions

The external cutaneous stimulation given by the bootee increased the weight of ankle proprioceptive signals only for participants with low barefoot RPw. This result confirmed that optimization of the ankle proprioceptive signals provided by cutaneous afferent stimulation has a differential effect depending on the participants’ preferred sensory strategy.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13047-016-0140-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Effect of thigh muscle fatigue on the biomechanical factors of the lower limbs when walking in a squatted position

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare and analyze the effects of thigh muscle fatigue caused by walking in a squatted position on biomechanical factors, to evaluate the risk of a job performed sitting in a squatted position for a long period of time. [Subjects and Methods] Eighteen right foot dominant women without any injuries in their joints and body in the last 6 months were selected. They walked in a squatted position, and then muscle fatigue was induced by using an isokinetic muscular function measuring device (CSMI, USA). After the CSMI measurement, the participants performed walking in a squatted position again. [Results] After inducing thigh muscle fatigue, the knee joint maximum adduction moment significantly increased and the required duration was reduced. The muscle fatigue index was positively correlated with adduction moment and negatively with the duration. It influenced the changes of maximum adduction moment; 55.0% of the adduction moment change was explained by the degree of fatigue. [Conclusion] A quantitative analysis of working in a squatted position was performed. The thigh muscle fatigue index negatively the knee joint during walking in a squatted position. Therefore, this experiment can be used as an ergonomic analysis tool of general farm work.

Kinesio taping of the deltoid does not reduce fatigue induced deficits in shoulder joint position sense

BACKGROUND

Muscle fatigue is known to decrease shoulder proprioceptive acuity, potentially contributing to injuries. It has been suggested that Kinesio taping can improve proprioception. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Kinesio taping on shoulder joint position sense after muscle fatigue.

METHODS

Twenty-four healthy subjects were evaluated in a randomized, crossover, single-blind study design. Shoulder joint position sense was assessed during active repositioning tests at the target angles of 50°, 70° and 90° of arm elevation in scapular plane, in three sessions: control (no taping), Kinesio taping (Kinesio taping applied over the deltoid muscle with tension) and sham (Kinesio taping applied over deltoid without tension). Joint position sense was assessed three times: before taping; following taping application or rest, in the control session; and following a fatigue protocol. The constant error (repositioned angle-target angle) was considered for statistical analysis, using a 3-way repeated-measure ANOVA (within subject factors: taping, time and target angle).

FINDINGS

There was no interaction or main effect involving taping. An interaction between time and angle was found and the simple effect showed that the constant error increased following fatigue at 70° and 90°, but not at 50°.

INTERPRETATION

The results of this study does not support the use of Kinesio taping applied over the deltoid muscle for compensating or preventing shoulder joint position sense deficits caused by muscle fatigue of shoulder abductors.

Immediate Effects of Kinesiology Taping of Quadriceps on Motor Performance after Muscle Fatigued Induction

Objectives. The purpose of this cross-sectional single-blind study was to investigate the immediate effects of Kinesiology taping of quadriceps on motor performance after muscle fatigued induction. Design. Randomized controlled cross-sectional design. Subjects. Forty-five subjects participated in this study. Participants were divided into three groups: Kinesiology taping group, placebo taping group, and nontaping group. Methods. Subjects performed short-term exercise for muscle fatigued induction, followed by the application of each intervention. Peak torque test, one-leg single hop test, active joint position sense test, and one-leg static balance test were carried out before and after the intervention. Results. Peak torque and single-leg hopping distance were significantly increased when Kinesiology taping was applied (p < 0.05). But there were no significant effects on active joint position sense and single-leg static balance. Conclusions. We proved that Kinesiology taping is effective in restoring muscle power reduced after muscle fatigued induction. Therefore, we suggest that Kinesiology taping is beneficial for fatigued muscles.

A little elastic for a better performance: kinesiotaping of the motor effector modulates neural mechanisms for rhythmic movements

A rhythmic motor performance is brought about by an integration of timing information with movements. Investigations on the millisecond time scale distinguish two forms of time control, event-based timing and emergent timing. While event-based timing asserts the existence of a central internal timekeeper for the control of repetitive movements, the emergent timing perspective claims that timing emerges from dynamic control of nontemporal movements parameters. We have recently demonstrated that the precision of an isochronous performance, defined as performance of repeated movements having a uniform duration, was insensible to auditory stimuli of various characteristics (Bravi et al., 2014). Such finding has led us to investigate whether the application of an elastic therapeutic tape (Kinesio® Tex taping; KTT) used for treating athletic injuries and a variety of physical disorders, is able to reduce the timing variability of repetitive rhythmic movement. Young healthy subjects, tested with and without KTT, have participated in sessions in which sets of repeated isochronous wrist's flexion-extensions (IWFEs) were performed under various auditory conditions and during their recall. Kinematics was recorded and temporal parameters were extracted and analyzed. Our results show that the application of KTT decreases the variability of rhythmic movements by a 2-fold effect: on the one hand KTT provides extra proprioceptive information activating cutaneous mechanoreceptors, on the other KTT biases toward the emergent timing thus modulating the processes for rhythmic movements. Therefore, KTT appears able to render movements less audio dependent by relieving, at least partially, the central structures from time control and making available more resources for an augmented performance.