| Effect of Kinesio-Taping on Kinetic Variables Before and After Fatigue During Single-Leg Landing in ACL-Reconstructed Athletes |
| Paper ID : 1283-SPORTCONGRESS |
| Authors |
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mohammadamin safaei ghaleh zoo * Bu-Ali Sina University, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Department of SportBiomechanics, Phd |
| Abstract |
| Introduction: Around 70% of ACL injuries occur without direct contact, often during high-demand tasks such as single-leg landings. Muscle fatigue alters neuromuscular control and increases the risk of reinjury (Wu et al., 2022). Kinesio-taping is used to enhance stability and proprioception without restricting movement (Nokhodchi et al., 2020). This study aimed to examine the effects of KT on kinetic variables (ground reaction forces (GRF), loading rate, and joint moments) before and after fatigue during single-leg landing in athletes with ACL-R. Method: Thirty athletes participated: 15 ACL-R athletes and 15 healthy controls. Each performed five single-leg landings from a 30-cm height (Sheikhi et al., 2021). Fatigue was induced by 5 sets of 20 squats, 5 sets of 20 eccentric calf raises, and two maximal vertical jumps; a ≥20% reduction in jump distance confirmed fatigue. KT (Cantech) was applied with 10% tension for hamstring facilitation and 20% over the tibial tuberosity for support (Limroongreungrat & Boonkerd, 2019). Kinetic data were collected using Kistler force plates. Repeated-measures ANOVA (α = 0.05) was used for within-group comparisons, and MANOVA was applied for between-group analysis. Results: After fatigue, vertical GRF increased by ~9% in the KT-ACL group (p < 0.05). Internal–external and anterior–posterior components also rose significantly after fatigue (p < 0.05). The loading rate increased by 20% post-fatigue in the KT-ACL group (p = 0.005), and remained higher than in healthy controls (p < 0.001). KT increased hip flexor (p = 0.037) and ankle dorsiflexor (p = 0.013) moments after fatigue, while knee joint moments were unchanged (p > 0.05). Conclusion: KT amplified GRF and joint moments under fatigue, suggesting a stiffer landing pattern rather than improved shock absorption. While KT may enhance neuromuscular activation, it did not reduce impact forces. KT should complement, not replace, neuromuscular and strength training during ACL-R rehabilitation. |
| Keywords |
| Kinesio-tape, ACL reconstruction, kinetics, fatigue, GRF |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Oral Presentation) |
