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TAPING TECHNIQUES AND THEIR EFFECTS ON MUSCLE ACTIVATION AND ENERGY EXPENDITURE

Abstract

BACKGROUND: KT Tape is an elastic version of traditional training tape. There is limited research done to on the effects of KT-Tape compared to its predecessor, athletic training tape (AT-Tape), and traditional techniques for application that solely focus on stability. Based on its adhesive and elastic properties, KT-Tape may have the ability to affect muscle activation and energy expenditure if applied differently than traditional techniques. Altering these physiological variables may ultimately affect oxygen consumption and stamina during running. The primary purpose of this study is to determine if KT-Tape applied in a non-traditional spring method effects oxygen consumption and muscular activation when compared to not using tape, as well as traditional methods of application using KT-Tape and AT-Tape over the knee during running. METHODS: Participants will consist of healthy adult recreational runners. HR and RPE will be assessed during all activity. Participants will be instructed to perform a warm-up no longer than 5 minutes. Preferred speed (PS) will be obtained from runners using an average speed of 3-bouts of a blind speed procedure. Participants will then perform four separate, 6-minute runs at PS, each with a separate condition: Control (No Tape); Traditionally Applied KT-Tape; Traditionally Applied AT-Tape; & Non-traditional Spring Application of KT-Tape. During steady state running at PS oxygen consumption and muscle activation will be acquired. Additionally, EMG of the rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF) The order of conditions will be counterbalanced to account for order bias. A repeated measure ANOVA will be used to assess for differences in variables between conditions. Alpha level will be set at 0.05. ANTICIPATED RESULTS: It is hypothesized that oxygen consumption and muscle activity will differ between conditions. Specifically, spring taping technique will aid in muscle recruitment and activation of the biceps femoris. This passive assistance will have a larger effect on muscle recruitment of the BF than the resistance would compromise that of the RF. This manipulation of the H:Q ratio, a natural muscle imbalance, may subsequently reduce oxygen demands of the lower extremity muscles during running. Alternatively, it may not be possible to affect energy expenditure this way as the same energy saved will be required to overcome the resistance during the opposite action at the knee.

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