Effect of Kinesio Taping and its Application Method on Rectus Femoris Function Examined by Ultrasound

Purpose: We examined the effect of Kinesio taping (KT) and its application method on rectus femoris function. Subjects: Twenty-six thighs of 13 adults without disability. Method: We measured the muscle thickness, pennation angle, and muscle fiber lengths of the rectus femoris using an ultrasound imaging diagnostic device. Measurements were made in the positions of knee flexion and extension under 3 conditions: without KT, with KT applied in the direction from the muscle insertion to its origin, and with KT applied in the direction from the muscle origin to its insertion. Results: The muscle thickness in knee flexion significantly increased with taping. The pennation angle significantly increased with taping in both directions, and muscle fiber length also increased with taping in both directions. There were no significant differences in knee extension. Conclusion: Kinesio taping of the rectus femoris increases its thickness in knee flexion, and the direction of taping changes the pennation angle and muscle fiber length.