The Most Effective Number of Elastic Taping Applications on the Muscle Activity and Maximum Peak of the Wrist Extensor Muscle in Patients with Stroke

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the differences in electromyographic activities of upper extremity muscle between repeated taping and to compare the effects of each taping method in stroke patients. Background: Taping studies for functional improvement and pain relief of the UE have been conducted using various methods. Despite being an important factor when you treatment to a patient in a clinical attachment numbers situation quantitative research is that there is not at all to the taping at the time of application. Method: Twenty patients volunteered in this study and were tested under four taping conditions as follows, in random order: (1) no taping, (2) taping applied once, (3) taping applied twice, and (4) taping applied thrice. The muscle activity and maximum peak of the extensor carpi radialis muscle in electromyographic activities were measured, respectively. Results: The muscle activity and maximum peak of the extensor carpi radialis muscle showed significant differences among the four conditions (p<.05). In the post hoc test, the extensor muscle showed significant differences in muscle activity and maximum peak in electromyographic activities, except between taping applied twice and thrice. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that repeated taping up to two times may be useful in improving the muscle activity and maximum peak of the extensor muscle. Application: This study provides useful information to future researchers regarding the effects of repeated taping applications on muscle activity and maximum peak of the muscles of the human body.