engleski

Assessment of the immediate effects of the neuromuscular taping on the activation of thigh muscles during gait – a case study

INTRODUCTION: Neuromuscular tape is a specialized thin and elastic tape used in rehabilitation. Tape allows free movement and manufacturers suggest that it improves proprioception, changes muscle activity and reduces pain, swelling and muscle spasm. The purpose of this case study was to examine the effects of neuromuscular taping on muscle activation pattern of thigh muscles. METHODS: One healthy male subject (age=30, BMI=24, 8) was included in the study. Electromyographic measurements were performed during 14 gait cycles of self-paced barefoot walking on even surface in three conditions (no tape, neuromuscular tape and placebo tape). Tape was applied unilaterally. Variables of interest were root mean square (RMS) of the electromyographic signal (mean and max) and time before peak (tbp) for selected thigh muscles. Descriptive statistics were performed for all variables, and also paired-samples T- test, Wilcoxon paired signed-rank test and two- way ANOVA where appropriate. RESULTS: There were significant differences between right m. vastus medialis (RMSmean: p=0, 006 ; RMSmax: p=0, 002) and left m. vastus medialis (RMSmean: p=0, 005) with and without tape. Results of two-way ANOVA revealed possible influence of the method and significant difference for m. vastus medialis. Scheffe post hoc test revealed significant difference between neuromuscular tape condition vs. other two conditions (RMSmean: p<0, 001 ; RMSmax: p=0, 002). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: There could be other confounding factors responsible for these differences due to study limitations. It seems that neuromuscular tape changes m. vastus medialis activation, but in the unexpected direction in this particular subject. Further studies need to be performed on a larger sample of participants.

EMG, kinesiotaping, muscle activity

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