Surface Electromyography Analysis of Bilateral Paraspinal Muscles and Quadriceps with Kinesio® Tape Application

Joshua Brodersen1, Katie Lyman1, Bryan Christensen1, Kyle Hackney1, Kara Stone1, & Thomas Hanson2

North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND1; Minnesota State University Moorhead, Moorhead, MN2

AbstractBackground: Kinesio® Tape is an option to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. Physiological effects of elastic tape have not been well researched or documented. Kinesio® Tape can be worn during sport-specific activities as well as conditioning movements, such as weight lifting. However, changes in muscle activation based on the direction of tape application may alter muscle activation and potentially lead to unintended consequences during functional movements. Methods: 32 healthy subjects (age = 34.4 ± 7.9 yrs). Participants completed a maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) for back squat (control). Participants then completed two sets of eight repetitions at 70% of their MVIC where surface EMG was monitored simultaneously in the RF, VMO, and Bilateral Paraspinal Muscles.Results: The change in muscle activation was not statistically significant for the left paraspinal (P = 0.89), right paraspinal (P = 0.77), RF (P = 0.74), or VMO (P = 0.89). Conclusion: Muscle activation did not increase or decrease at a statistically significant rate in monitored muscles when Kinesio® Tape was applied. Keywords: Kinesio® Tape, Muscle Activation, Surface Electromyography (EMG)

Background

• Allied health care providers use Kinesio® Tape to treat musculoskeletal conditions, including low back pain1,2

• Physiological effects of Kinesio® Tape are largely unsubstantiated with varying methodologies and patient populations3

• Alterations in muscle activation with the application of Kinesio® Tape may lead to unintended consequences during functional movements4

Research Question

Does the Kinesio Tape Facilitation Method® of the Paraspinal musculature change the muscle activation measured via surface Electromyography (EMG) in the Vastus Medialus Oblique (VMO), Rectus Femoris (RF), or Bilateral Paraspinal Musculature when performing a barbell back squat?

Methodology1) Following warm-up, surface EMG electrodes were applied to:• Muscle bellies of the right RF, VMO, and bilateral Paraspinals• Raw data collected through Biopac Systems Inc. (Version 4.1, Goleta, CA)

2) 70% MVC determined by Force Plate output protocol:• Determination of 90 degrees of knee flexion was visualized by a CSCS• A standard weight bar was loaded with approximately 400 bs to mimic an

isometric contraction• Force plate calculated the amount of downward force, thus resulting in a

participants’ 1-rep max & 70% MVC calculate

3) 32 participants (f=16; m=16) (age= 34.4 ± 7.9) were randomized into 2 groups: taped during first set or second set of 8 back squat repetitions

4) Kinesio® Tape Facilitation Method5:• Tissue stretch obtained by participants flexing at the waist• 2 applications of 15-35% tension starting at bilateral PSIS landmarks and running

longitudinally with the spine ending on transverse processes of T7• 1 application of 75% tension running horizontally along the SI joints

Statist ical Analysis and Results

• Raw EMG data analyzed with derived Root Mean Square (RMS) through AcqKnowledge® 4

• One sample t-test between taped and control conditions

Conclusions

Future Research

Acknowledgements

References

• Future researchers should consider the following modifications: • Inclusion of different lifting techniques, e.g., deadlift, power clean• Inclusion criteria examining unhealthy tissue

• Post-surgical rehabilitation• Increasing the time allotment between sets• Vary the 70% MVC protocol to include a true 1-rep max

College of Human Development & Education and the Department of Health, Nutrition, & Exercise Sciences at NDSUNorth Dakota Space Grant Research Consortium for funding components of data collection

1. Castro-Sanchez et al. Kinesio Taping reduces disability and pain slightly in chronic non-specific low back pain: A randomised trial. J of Phys. 2012;58(2): 89-95.

2. Yoshida A & Kahanov L. The effect of Kinesio taping on lower trunk range of motions. Res Sports Med. 2007:15(2).

3. Williams S, Whatman C, Hume PA, Sheerin K. Kinesio taping in. treatment and prevention of sports injuries: A meta-analysis of the evidence for its effectiveness. Sports Med. 2012;42(2):153-164.

4. Paoloni M et al. Kinesio Taping applied to lumbar muscles influences clinical and electromyographic characteristics in chronic low back pain patients. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2011;47: 237-244.

5. Kase K et al. Clinical therapeutic applications of the kinesio taping method. 2nd ed. Kinesio Taping Association; 2003>

• Muscle activation did not increase or decrease with the application of kinesio tape over the paraspinal muscles

• Results of this research indicate Kinesio® Tape has little effect on muscle activation patterns during a barbell back squat

• Therefore, practitioners can apply Kinesio® Tape to their athletes without concern of unintendedly changing muscle activation patterns during a back squat

Table 1. Surface EMG results of four muscles