2015, Volume 7, Issue 4

Immediate and mid-term effects of elastic taping on gymnast’s postural control performance during a handstand



Pia M. Vinken1, Thomas Heinen2

1Institute of Sports Sciences, Georg-August-University Göttingen
2Institute of Sports Science, University of Hildesheim


Author for correspondence: Pia M. Vinken; Institute of Sports Sciences, Georg-August-University Göttingen; email: pia.vinken[at]sport.uni-goettingen.de

DOI: 10.29359/BJHPA.07.4.07

Full text

Abstract

Background: The study explored whether three different applications of an elastic tape on the forearms of healthy, active gymnasts influence their postural control performance during a handstand immediately and 48 hours after application.


Material/Methods: 24 gymnasts were randomly assigned to three groups: group 1 – elastic tape application at a gymnast’s wrist joints, group 2 – elastic tape application at a gymnast’s forearm muscles, and group 3 – a combination of groups 1 and 2. The gymnast’s center of pressure was measured with a mobile balance platform, indicating postural control performance during a handstand.


Results: The gymnast’s postural control performance during a handstand is affected depending on the elastic tape application and the time span the application is in situ. Elastic tape application on a gymnast’s wrist joints reveals a performance increase immediately and 48 hours after application. Elastic tape application on a gymnast’s forearm muscles increases performance when applied for 48 hours. Combined elastic tape application does not additionally affect gymnast’s postural control performance.


Conclusions: Elastic tape applications can increase postural control performance during a handstand. Furthermore, it is supposed that mechano-sensory stimulation, improved attention and awareness due to elastic tape application and the belief in its effectiveness may be moderating mechanisms of this effect.

 


Key words: kinesiotaping, Wii balance board, athletic performance, gymnasts


Cite this article as:

AMA:

Vinken P, Heinen T. Immediate and mid-term effects of elastic taping on gymnast’s postural control performance during a handstand . Balt J Health Phys Activ. 2015;7(4):73-84. doi:10.29359/BJHPA.07.4.07

APA:

Vinken, P.M., & Heinen, T. (2015). Immediate and mid-term effects of elastic taping on gymnast’s postural control performance during a handstand . Balt J Health Phys Activ, 7(4), 73-84. https://doi.org/10.29359/BJHPA.07.4.07

Chicago:

Vinken, Pia M., Heinen Thomas. 2015. "Immediate and mid-term effects of elastic taping on gymnast’s postural control performance during a handstand ". Balt J Health Phys Activ 7 (4): 73-84. doi:10.29359/BJHPA.07.4.07

Harvard:

Vinken, P.M., and Heinen, T. (2015). Immediate and mid-term effects of elastic taping on gymnast’s postural control performance during a handstand . Balt J Health Phys Activ, 7(4), pp.73-84. https://doi.org/10.29359/BJHPA.07.4.07

MLA:

Vinken, P.M., and Heinen, T. "Immediate and mid-term effects of elastic taping on gymnast’s postural control performance during a handstand ." Balt J Health Phys Activ, vol. 7, no. 4, 2015, pp. 73-84. doi:10.29359/BJHPA.07.4.07

Vancouver:

Vinken PM, Heinen T. Immediate and mid-term effects of elastic taping on gymnast’s postural control performance during a handstand . Balt J Health Phys Activ 2015; 7(4): 73-84. Available from: doi:10.29359/BJHPA.07.4.07