Physiother Theory Pract. 2023 Feb 3:1-7. doi: 10.1080/09593985.2023.2172703. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Previous studies reported inconsistent outcomes on elastic taping for three potential reasons: 1) poor control of placebo effect; 2) no consensus regarding the optimal tape tension; and 3) lack of investigation on muscle endurance, as the proposed tape recoiling force may not promote peak force generation but exert a consistently low force and improve submaximal contraction.
PURPOSE: This study compared the effects of elastic tape and its tension on muscle activity and endurance in people with extremely positive and negative personal belief on elastic tape.
METHODS: Using a validated instrument, we identified 20 participants with extremely positive personal belief on elastic tape (+ belief), and 20 with extremely negative personal belief (- belief). They performed wrist isometric endurance tests under three taping conditions (i.e. no tape, 50%, and 100% tension). We measured isometric wrist extensor muscle endurance, electromyography muscle activity, and self-perceived performance for each condition.
RESULTS: The differences between the two groups in isometric muscle endurance (p = .85) and muscle activity (p = .53) were not statistically significant, regardless of tape conditions. However, participants with + belief reported better perceived performance than those with – belief (p < .001, partial eta squared = 0.70). Specifically, 100% tape tension yielded stronger self-perceived performance than 50% tension (Cohen’s d = 0.91) and no tape (Cohen’s d = 1.86). On the other hand, participants with – belief perceived similar performance across tape tensions (p = .55).
CONCLUSION: Elastic tape does not modulate muscle activity and enhance muscle endurance. People with a strong positive personal belief on elastic tape may perceive a better performance with a greater tape tension.
PMID:36734244 | DOI:10.1080/09593985.2023.2172703
