An investigation of how rigid strapping tape fatigue impacts ankle and knee function during a cutting task

INTERVENTION: The project will be considering the use of rigid strapping tape applied to the ankle, how it impacts biomechanical function at the ankle and knee, and if ankle and knee function changes as the tape fatigues. For this reason, the intervention will be the application of rigid strapping tape to the ankles of participants. The testing involved will require a single testing session conducted in the Charles Sturt University (Albury) Gait Lab, and will take approximately 30‐45 minutes. Prior to attending the testing session the participant will have looked over the information form, and completed the Consent Form, the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR‐Q), and the Activity and Injury Questionnaire. These will be reviewed on arrival to ensure the potential participant is safe to complete testing. All testing will be carried out by two honours students and one supervisor. The honours students are third year students in the Podiatry undergraduate course. All researchers have current first aid training. The supervisor has both Human Movement and Podiatry undergraduate qualifications, and over 10 years clinical experience. CONDITION: Lower limb biomechanics PRIMARY OUTCOME: The primary outcome will be the impact of rigid strapping tape fatigue on ankle joint range of motion during a dynamic task. This will rely on ankle inversion/eversion results (3D motion analysis) and fibularis muscle activity (EMG). The fatigue of the participant will also be factored in as a contributor with the use of heart rate assessment and rating of perceived exertion. SECONDARY OUTCOME: The secondary outcome will be the effect of rigid strapping tape applied to the ankle on knee function. This will assess the knee joint in the sagittal and frontal planes (3D motion analysis), The fatigue of the tape and the participant will be considered when interpreting these results (heart rate and rating of perceived exertion). INCLUSION CRITERIA: Participants should be: ‐ Between the ages of 18 and 35 ‐ Free of neurovasulcar, vascular or musculoskeletal injury ‐ Not pregnant ‐ Not dependent on medical care The testing will start with the researchers measuring the participant’s height, weight and hip measurements and lower limb dimensions. At the early stage of testing each participant will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Group one will have their ankles strapped using rigid strapping tape (Elastoplast woven strapping tape with adhesive backing ‐ 5am width) and a standard strapping technique (combination of anchor, two stirrups, a figure 6 strap, two heel locks, and a second anchor ‐ consistent with that described in the 'Sports Medicine for Sports Trainers' manual ‐ 2007), Group two will not require any strapping tape to be applied. The participant will be asked to wear a chest strap heart rate monitor as one of the fatigue measures during testing. This will be applied prior to mark‐up which will allow us to obtain resting heart rate measures. Reflective markers will be placed on the skin of both lower limbs and torso. These markers will allow recording of movement during the dynamic activities with 3D cameras. Using standard, non‐invasive procedures, both lower limbs will be prepared and surface electrodes placed on the skin at selected muscle sites. This will allow measurement of muscle activity during the movement tasks. After completing a low intensity 5‐minute treadmill warm‐up, the participant will be guided through a series of activities which will serve the purpose of the fatigue protocol. These activities will include lateral shuffles, forward/backward running, agility ladder, figure‐of‐8, forward running with a 45 degree cut task, wall jumps, jumping over cones, and zigzags. The participant will be free to complete the activities at their own pace, although we will ask that they complete the tasks at a high velocity which they find comfortable. The physical tasks will be repeated for 20 minutes. Recording of the 45 degree cut task will occur at 0min, 5min, 10min, 15min and 20min intervals while the fatigue protocol is being completed. Recording will involve 3D motion analysis, as well as the use of EMG (Electromyography), heart rate and ground reaction force. The participant will also be asked to complete a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) at the previously identified time intervals to help gauge fatigue levels. Upon completion the participant will have all markers, sensors and the heart rate monitor removed, and will be offered a guided five minute treadmill cool down and stretching.