• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.57-64
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• 2021

Background: During squat exercises, Ankle joint stability during squat movement transfers forces produced by unstable supports or various loads to the leg joints and trunk, reducing the risk of injury; therefore, a reference is needed for correct ankle joint posture during squat exercises. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of ankle joint stability on quadriceps femoris and hamstring activation during squat exercises. Design: Quasi-experiment one group pretest-posttest design. Methods: The participants in this study were 20 volunteers who performed squat exercises with and without kinesiology tape. We measured quadriceps femoris and hamstring activation using surface electromyography. The ankle joint was stabilized with kinesiology tape using the ankle balance taping (ABT) method. A paired t-test was performed to compare differences between taping conditions. Results: Vastus medialis and vastus lateralis activation were greater following squat exercises with kinesiology tape than without; however, the difference was not significant. Medial and lateral hamstring activation was not significantly different between taping conditions. Conclusion: Although it is difficult to maintain stability using kinesiology tape alone, ankle joint stability is believed to affect quadriceps femoris muscle activity, which increases the effectiveness of the squat exercise.