The effect of taping along forearm on long-latency somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs): an ERP study

Abstract

The application of tape has been widely used for many years by physiotherapists to deal with variety of sports disorders. However, it remains unclear whether the tape application affects the sensory input to somatosensory cortex. Therefore, the objective of this study is to clarify the effect of taping using somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs). We compared between control and tape application conditions using SEPs elicited by a electrical pulse (0.5 ms) applied to the medial forearm of right hand at inter-stimulus interval 5 s in 10 volunteers. There were three conditions (control, elastic- and white-tape). Electrical stimulation elicited clear two long latency SEPs, N140 and P250, in control, elastic- and white-tape conditions. The amplitude of P250 in elastic-tape condition was larger than that of P250 in control and white-tape conditions. Elastic-tape application forearm reduced the amplitude of P250. Therefore, elastic-tape application may affect the attention and perception relating to tactile stimulation.

Effects of Kinesio taping on joint position sense of the ankle

“…It is believed that if the taping is done in a way that creates enough space between the skin and the muscles, there is greater mobility of the muscles, and reduction of pain due to active circulation of blood and proprioception. Kinesio tape elicits an increase in proprioception through increased stimulation of cutaneous mechanoreceptors 6 , 7 , 11 ) .…”

Effects of ankle balance taping with kinesiology tape for a patient with chronic ankle instability

“…This case showed that the repeated application of kinesiology tape in ABT over 2 months increased the range of motion of the ankle. Kinesiology tape may stimulate cutaneous mechanoreceptors 10 ) . In accordance with the counterirritant theory, the excitement of the mechanoreceptors induces the release of encephalin, which inhibits the transmission of nociceptive signals 11 ) .…”

Ankle inversion taping using kinesiology tape for treating medial ankle sprain in an amateur soccer player

“…The kinesiology tape used in this case study stimulates cutaneous mechanoreceptors 13 ) and improves the joint position sense 14 ) . The elasticity of the kinesiology tape applied to the skin around the ankle may activate the proprioceptors, while the skin is stretched and shortened during ankle movement.…”