Abstract: Objective To explore the biomechanics of different methods of taping on knee during sudden stop action, to prevent knee from joint injury. Methods From March to May, 2017, Eight male college students without lower extremity disorders participated in this study. Their relevant biomechanical parameters were collected when sudden stopping with traditional taping, kinesio taping or no taping of knee, using kinematics, kinetics and electromyogram (EMG). Results Peak horizontal force (F = 3.131, P < 0.01) and horizontal loading rate (F = 2.912, P < 0.05) were the largest, center of pressure moved rearward the most (F = 4.291, P < 0.01), and time of peak horizontal force appearance was the latest (F = 5.144, P < 0.001) with no taping. When peak horizontal force appeared, the flex of knee was the most with no taping (F = 8.141, P < 0.01). The angle of of knee changed the most with kinesio taping during landing (F = 5.491, P < 0.05), while the EMG of rectus femoris and gastrocnemius was the most with no taping (F > 5.322, P < 0.01). The active reset error on 45° and 60° of joint angle was the least with traditional taping (F > 5.631, P < 0.001). Conclusion Traditional and kinesio taping can restrict the forward movement of anterior cruciate ligament, while the kinesio taping is more effective on the maximal knee joint flex, the traditional taping works well for supporting knee, but limiting the range of movement.

Key words: knee, traditional taping, kinesio taping, sudden stop, biomechanics