Date of Award

Spring 5-1-2002

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Athletic Training

First Advisor

Mitchell L. Cordova

Second Advisor

Christopher D. Ingersoll

Third Advisor

Jeffrey E. Edwards

Abstract

Objective: Muscle fatigue is defined as the inability to maintain force output. It seems plausible that some sports injuries can be prevented if muscular fatigue can be reduced. Research evaluating Kinesio tape is still limited. And further study is needed in this area for clearing the effects of the elastic tape to apply effectively, and safely to the clinical setting. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Kinesio tape on knee extensor force output before and after muscle fatigue. Design and Setting: A 2 x 3 factorial design was used to compare force output before and after fatigue of treatment group (Kinesio Tape, elastikan tape, and control). Subjects: Eighteen male volunteers (age 24.2±3.6 yrs, ht 166.2±22.6 cm, mass 27.6 ±27.6kg) participated in this study. Measurements: First concentric, or eccentric peak torque and average power of quadriceps muscle measurement on the cybex, was recorded for each subject. After initial measurements, each subject completed the fatigue protocol. Peak torque and average power of quadriceps muscle was measured immediately following the post fatigue protocol. Results: There was no significant interaction between Tape and Time on concentric, or eccentric torque and average power. There was no effect of taping condition on concentric, or eccentric torque and average power. There was a significant effect for time on concentric torque and average power for each condition, but no difference in the time effects on eccentric peak torque and average power. Conclusion: Kinesio tape has no effect on muscle force output before or after fatigue.

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