KinesioTaping on Knee Joint Position Sense

Overview

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of kinesio tape (Neuromuscular bands) application on knee joint position sense. The investigators intend to evaluate, trough the use of an isokinetic dynamometer, the sensation of active and passive joint position sense of the knee joint, before, during and after the application of kinesio tape in different periods, and to verify if there is any noticeable change. The guiding question is presented as the following: "Does the application of kinesio tape influence the knee joint position sense in healthy young adults?". The hypothesis of this study is represented as follows: H1: Kinesio tape application improves knee joint position sensation in healthy young adults. H0: Kinesio tape application has no influence on knee joint sensation and position in healthy young adults.

As mentioned before, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of kinesio tape (Neuromuscular bands) application on knee joint position sense. After explaining the objectives and procedures of the study, the subjects will sign an informed consent. Afterwards, the sample subjects will be randomly divided into two groups, the experimental group and the control group. Joint position sense will be measured at four different times in the control group and at 6 different times in the experimental group. In the first moment of data collection, anthropometric data of the participants will be measured, namely weight and height, and a sociodemographic questionnaire will be completed. Then, the identification of the dominant side of the individual will be carried out, through the step test, in which we ask the individual to climb a step 3 times and through the ball kick test. All subjects will always have to carry out measurements in shorts and t-shirts, completely barefoot. The intervention, in the experimental group, will consist of the application of neuromuscular bands on the dominant lower limb. No intervention will be performed in the control group. A physical therapist will be in charge of applying the neuromuscular bands to the participants and another physical therapist will take measurements of joint position sense.