Acute Effects of Kinesiology Taping Stretch Tensions on Soleus and Gastrocnemius H-Reflex Modulations

• Published in: International journal of environmental research and public health 2021-04, Vol.18 (9), p.4411
• Main Authors: Chen, Yung-Sheng, Zhou, Shi, Crowley-McHattan, Zachary J, Bezerra, Pedro, Tseng, Wei-Chin, Chen, Che-Hsiu, Ye, Xin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acute effects; Ankle; Body weight; Electrodes; Electromyography; Exercise; Experiments; Kinesiology; Laboratories; Muscles; Physical fitness; Physical therapists; Prone position; Taping; Tension
• ISSN: 1660-4601; 1661-7827; 1660-4601
• DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094411

This study examined the acute effects of stretch tensions of kinesiology taping (KT) on the soleus (SOL), medial (MG), and lateral (LG) gastrocnemius Hoffmann-reflex (H-reflex) modulation in physically active healthy adults. A cross-over within-subject design was used in this study. Twelve physically active collegiate students voluntarily participated in the study (age = 21.3 ± 1.2 years; height = 175.6 ± 7.1 cm; body weight = 69.9 ± 7.1 kg). A standard Y-shape of KT technique was applied to the calf muscles. The KT was controlled in three tension intensities in a randomised order: paper-off, 50%, and 100% of maximal stretch tension of the tape. The peak-to-peak amplitude of maximal M-wave (M ) and H-reflex (H ) responses in the SOL, MG, and LG muscles were assessed before taping (pre-taping), taping, and after taping (post-taping) phases in the lying prone position. The results demonstrated significantly larger LG H responses in the pre-taping condition than those in the post-taping condition during paper-off KT ( = 0.002). Moreover, the ΔH /M of pre- and post-taping in the SOL muscle was significantly larger during 50%KT tension than that of paper-off ( = 0.046). In conclusion, the stretch tension of KT contributes minor influence on the spinal motoneuron excitability in the triceps surae during rest.