Document Type : Original article
Authors
1
Assistant Professor, Department of Sports Biomechanics,Facultyof Sport sciences , Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
2
Master's Degree in Sports Biomechanics,Bu-Ali Sina University, Department of Sport Sciences, Sport Biomechanics
3
Mahdi MajlesiDepartment of Sport Biomechanics, Ha.C., Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran
4
Department of Sports Injuries and Biomechanics, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
10.22037/sjrm.2026.117579.3459
Abstract
Background and Aims: Impairments in gait pattern and neuromuscular control are common consequences following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL‑R) and may be exacerbated under fatigue conditions. Kinesio taping has been proposed as an adjunctive strategy to enhance proprioceptive feedback and joint stability. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the short‑term effects of Kinesio taping on gait parameters in athletes with ACL‑R before and after fatigue, and to compare the findings with those of healthy individuals.
Materials and Methods: This semi-experimental study was conducted on thirty semi-professional athletes (15 healthy controls and 15 with a history of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction). Spatiotemporal gait variables were assessed before and after induced muscular fatigue using a Vicon motion analysis system. Fatigue was induced through a protocol consisting of squats, eccentric calf contractions, and vertical jumps. In the ACL‑R group, Kinesio taping was applied using a facilitation pattern for the hamstrings and inhibition for the quadriceps. Data were analyzed using the Shapiro–Wilk test, repeated measures ANOVA, paired t-test, and MANOVA in SPSS, with statistical significance set at p<0.05.
Results: In the ACL‑R group without Kinesio taping, fatigue significantly reduced step time (p=0.01), stride time (p=0.01), single‑limb support (p=0.02), and double‑limb support (p=0.02), while other variables were unchanged (p>0.05). With Kinesio taping, no significant post‑fatigue changes occurred. Only walking speed differed among walking post fatigue with kinesiotape in contrast to walking post fatigue without tapes (p=0.04), with no differences among ACL‑R and healthy groups (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Findings indicated that the gait pattern of athletes with ACL reconstruction was generallycomparable to that of healthy individuals. Although Kinesio taping did not lead to statistically significant changes in spatiotemporal parameters under the studied conditions, the absence of fatigue-related alterations following taping may suggest a potential protective effect on gait stability. However, no substantial between-group differences were observed. These findings may reflect relatively adequate neuromuscular control during walking in athletes with ACL-R, while also indicating that the short-term rehabilitative effects of Kinesio taping on gait performance are limited.
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