Abstract
Context: Kinesio® Tape (KT) has become a common modality for reducing pain and regaining function. A proposed benefit of KT includes enhanced blood/lymph flow for reduction of inflammatory markers, thereby enhancing recovery. However, not many studies have measured the effects of KT on peak torque force production during concentric contraction of the gastrocnemius, similar to that of an athlete during a vertical leap. The limited research on the effectiveness of KT displays conflicting results on its effectiveness. Objective: The purpose of this study is to compare peak concentric muscle torque production before and after KT intervention in the gastrocnemius muscles. The research question is: Does Kinesio® Tape have an effect on the concentric force production of the gastrocnemius in healthy, non-injured individuals? Design: Experimental research design with two dependent variables and three independent variables Setting: Sports Medicine Lab Patients or Other Participants: Thirty-nine participants (24 males, 19 females, 24 + 2 years; avg. weight 76.02 + 2 kg.) volunteered to participate in the study. Convenience sampling was used to find 40 participants for the study to volunteer through class dialogue and email. Interventions: Participants were randomly selected to be taped or not taped during the first trial of the Biodex testing and Side Hop Test and then repeated the measures with opposite taping conditions. The KT was applied with a strip of tape vertically from origin to insertion of the gastrocnemius, applying a 50% stretch to the middle of tape and utilizing anchor points at each end. Participants were positioned in the Biodex and performed two sets of five repetitions at two different resistances, 120 degrees/second and 60 degrees/second, with a 3-minute rest break in between each set. The Side Hop Test consisted of hopping over a 30-cm line as many times as possible in 30 seconds for one trial. The Data analysis included repeated measures and paired T-test without Bonferroni Correction. Main Outcome Measures: The dependent variable is the peak force created by the gastrocnemius and the amount of hops completed during the Side Hop Test Results: Comparing peak torque at 120 degrees with and without KT resulted in a significance level of 0.814 within subjects, 95% confidence interval, mean square 2.197. Comparing peak torque at 60 degrees with and without KT resulted in a significance level of 0.371 within subjects, 95% confidence interval, mean square 76.579, P < .05 without a Bonferroni correction Conclusions: In this study, Kinesio® Tape resulted in no significant increase in concentric force production of the gastrocnemius. When applying KT to patients in a clinical setting, there may not be an added benefit to force production. Further research is needed on this topic.