Affiliations: [a] Ondokuz Mayıs University Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey | [b] Gaziantep University Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey
Correspondence:
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Corresponding authors: Ali Kerim Yılmaz, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Faculty of Sport Sciences, 55100, Samsun, Turkey. Tel.: +90 3623121919/+90 5424953737; Fax: +90 3624576924; E-mail: akerim.yilmaz@omu.edu.tr.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Different methods of treatment for preventing knee injuries, enhancing knee strength and minimising post-injury risks have been explored. Among these methods, Kinesio tape (KT) and knee braces (KB) are commonly used. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the acute effects of KT and KB on isokinetic knee strength parameters. METHODS: A total of 15 healthy sedentary male subjects voluntarily participated in the study. Concentric isokinetic knee extension (EX) and flexion (FLX) strength were measured at three sessions: 1. Baseline 2. with KT (’KT’) 3. with KB (’KB’). Tests were performed at 60, 180 and 240∘/s. Peak moment (PM), Hamstring/Quadriceps ratio (HQR), and joint angle at peak moment (JAPM) were measured. RESULTS: ‘KT’ and ‘KB’ were associated with increase in PMEX, PMFLX, HQR at 60 and 240∘/s (p< 0.05) and increased JAPMEX. No significant difference was observed at 180∘/s (p> 0.05). CONCLUSION: In healthy individuals, ‘I’ shape KT and KB positively affect EX and FLX strengths and HQR, especially at low angular velocity.
Keywords: Strength imbalance, acceleration time, isokinetic, H/Q ratio
