J Korean Phys Ther.  2020 Oct;32(5):290-294. 10.18857/jkpt.2020.32.5.290.

Effect of Kinesio Tape for Fascia on Trunk Muscle Activity during Plank

• Kim JY
• Park S

• KMID: 2520082
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.18857/jkpt.2020.32.5.290

Abstract

Purpose
Many studies have reported increased muscle activities in treatments using kinesio tape. However, most studies have focused on only muscles, so the effects of kinesio tape on structures other than the muscles are unknown. The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of kinesio tape for the fascia on trunk muscle activity during plank.
Methods
Eighteen healthy participants took part in this study. The participants were asked to perform the plank in two conditions: on stable surface and unstable surface. Two kinesio tapes were attached along the spiral line introduced in the anatomy train. EMG was measured in each condition. EMG data were collected before and after attaching kinesio tape in each condition. Repeated analysis of variance (repeated ANOVA) was conducted to compare EMG activities levels between conditions.
Results
EMG activities levels of trunk muscles, especially rectus abdominis and erector spinae activities were significantly increased during the plank with KT on both stable and unstable surfaces.
Conclusion
KT applying on the fascia of targeted muscle increases the muscle activity. Therefore, we can also focus on the fascia to increase muscle activities not only on muscles.

Keyword

Fascia; Kinesio tape; Electromyography; Torso