Abstract: Objective To investigate the effects of Kinesio taping on function of knees in girls. Methods 20 female students were tested the peak torque of centripedal and eccentric contraction of knee flexion and extension with Biodex isokinetic testing at 60°/s angular velocity, with Kinesio taping, placebo taping and without taping. Their amplitude root of mean square (RMS) of surface electromyography of vastus medialis (VM), rectus femoris (RM) and vastus lateralis (VL) were also recorded. Results For centripedal isokinetic contraction, the relative extensors peak torque was the most as Kinesio taping (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in relative flexor peak torque (P> 0.05). Standardized RMS of VM and VL were the least as Kinesio taping (P<0.01), but not significantly different of RF among all the conditions (P>0.05). For eccentric isokinetic contraction, the relative extensor peak torque of both extensors and flexors were the most as Kinesio taping (P<0.01), while the Standardized RMS of VM and VL were the least (P<0.01), but no significant difference was observed in RF (P> 0.05). Conclusion Kinesio taping may enhance the strength of centripedal, eccentric contractions of quadriceps and eccentric contractions of hamstring, and increase the muscle fibers recruitment of VM and VL.

Key words: Kinesio taping, knee, surface electromyography, isokinetic exercise, female