Publications
Effects of Kinesio Taping with Squat Exercise on the Muscle Activity, Muscle Strength, Muscle Tension, and Dynamic Stability of Softball Players in the Lower Extremities: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Hyeon-Hee Kim 1, 2, Kyung-Hun Kim 1, 2
Affiliations:
- Department of Physical Therapy, Gimcheon University, Gimcheon-si 39528, Korea
- Gimcheon Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Gimcheon University, Gimcheon-si 39528, Korea
Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health - January 2022, Volume 19, Issue 1, Article no. 276 (DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010276)
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Field & Applications:
- Sport
- Physiotherapy
- Treatment evaluation
- Injury prevention
- Musculoskeletal health
Background and purpose: Knee injuries are common among female softball players, and the stability of the lower extremities and the strength of the knee are essential factors for them. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Kinesio taping with squat exercise (KTSE) on lower extremity muscle activity, muscle strength, muscle tone, and dynamic stability of softball players.
Methods: In this study, 40 softball players were randomly assigned to the KTSE group and sham taping with squat exercise (SKTSE) group. All subjects were tested three times a week for 6 weeks, i.e., for a total of 18 times. To evaluate the lower-extremity muscle activity, muscle strength, and muscle tone of the lower extremities, as well as dynamic stability, we used Noraxon Mini DTS, a digital muscular meter from JTech Medical, MyotonPRO, and the side hop test (a clinical evaluation method), respectively. These items were measured before the experiment and 6 weeks after the start of the experiment.
Results: Both groups showed significant differences in lower-extremity muscle activity, muscle strength, muscle tone, and dynamic stability (p < 0.05). After the experiment, significant effects on lower-extremity muscle activity, muscle strength, muscle tone, and dynamic stability were observed in the KTSE group compared with in the SKTSE group (p < 0.05).
Conclusions: KTSE did not have a negative effect on all items of the functional performance test. KTSE improved lower-extremity muscle activity, muscle strength, muscle tone, and dynamic stability.
Keywords: knee joint, Kinesio taping, squat exercise, softball plays, lower extremities
The following conclusions could be drawn from this study by comparing the effects of KTSE on the lower extremity muscle activity, muscle strength, muscle tension, and dynamic stability of female softball players. KTSE had a more significant effect on lower-extremity muscle activity, muscle strength, muscle tension, and dynamic stability than SKTSE. Therefore, we believe that KTSE can be considered as a program to increase lower-extremity function when planning a training program for softball players.