This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the DT technique on GCM activation and thickness by particularly focusing on identifying potential negative effects such as muscle activity suppression.
Twenty individuals in whom the DT technique was applied only to the dominant leg (DT side) were included. The non-dominant leg served as the non-taped side, and bilateral heel-rise exercises were performed. Muscle activity and thickness were measured using electromyography and ultrasonography, respectively, before and after exercise. The statistical significance (α) level was set at 0.05.
GCM activity and thickness significantly increased on both sides after the intervention (p0.05). No significant differences existed in GCM activation or thickness between the taped and non-taped sides before the intervention (p>0.05). However, after the intervention, GCM thickness on the non-taped side was significantly greater than that on the taped side (p0.05), while no significant difference was noted in muscle activation.
This study demonstrated that heel-raise exercises can increase GCM activation and thickness. However, the use of DT suggests that muscle thickness growth on the taped side may be inhibited compared with that on the non-taped side.
Dynamic taping (DT) can be useful to provide support during exercise or rehabilitation; however, caution is needed as frequent and prolonged DT use may limit muscle thickness growth. When using the benefits of taping in clinical and sports settings, the potential negative effects of long-term taping on muscle hypertrophy or strength training should be considered. Future research should focus on identifying optimal application methods that can minimize negative effects on muscle growth
Gastrocnemius
Muscle Growth Inhibition
