J Korean Phys Ther.  2023 Feb;35(1):24-30. 10.18857/jkpt.2023.35.1.24.

Effect of Elastic Compression Stocking and Kinesio Taping during Heel-raise Exercise on Muscle Activity, Mechanical Properties, and Muscle Fatigue in Healthy Women

• Yun S
• Kang YJ
• Kim JH
• Do HH
• Shin SY
• Lee SB
• Kwon JW

• KMID: 2552716
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.18857/jkpt.2023.35.1.24

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the elastic compression stockings and Kinesio taping on muscle activity and mechanical properties in healthy women during the heel raise exercise that causes muscle fatigue.
Methods
Participants were divided into the elastic compression stockings group (ESG, n= 8), Kinesio taping group (KTG, n= 8), and control group (CG, n= 8). All participants performed the heel raise exercise to cause muscle fatigue. Muscle activity, stiffness, and the muscle tone of the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior were measured before and after the heel raise exercise.
Results
In the gastrocnemius, muscle activity was significantly increased after the heel raise exercise in both the ESG and KTG (p< 0.05). There was a significant difference in the change in the gastrocnemius muscle activity between the groups (p< 0.05). Post hoc analysis showed that the ESG exhibited a significantly greater change in gastrocnemius muscle activity than the CG (p< 0.05). The muscle stiffness of the gastrocnemius was significantly decreased after the heel raise exercise in the ESG (p< 0.05). The muscle tone of the gastrocnemius was significantly increased after the heel raise exercise in the control group (p< 0.05). There were no significant differences in the change in the gastrocnemius stiffness and muscle tone between the groups (p> 0.05). In the tibialis anterior, there were no significant differences in muscle activity, stiffness, and muscle tone between and within the groups (p> 0.05).
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that the use of elastic compression stockings and Kinesio taping during the heel raise exercise are beneficial and delay muscle fatigue in the gastrocnemius.

Keyword

Muscle fatigue; Elastic compression stocking; Kinesio taping; Heel raise exercise