Effects of Kinesio Tape on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness

DEVICE

Kinesiotape

Tape will be applied to the biceps muscle of the nondominant arm from approximately the shoulder to the elbow for up to 72 hours. For the KT group taping will be applied with a lymphatic application method according to the guidelines recommended by Kenzo Kase. This type of application is known to improve blood and lymphatic circulation which enhances the removal of metabolic products. It is recommended that the application of the tape for lymphatic correction be applied for 24-72 hours. The tape will be applied with a tension of 10-20%.

change in worst pain in previous 24 hours

Time frame: This measure will be assessed at baseline and 48 hours and 72 hours following completion of the eccentric exercise protocol

Brief Pain Inventory

Change in average pain in previous 24 hours

Time frame: This measure will be assessed at baseline and 48 hours and 72 hours following completion of the eccentric exercise protocol

Brief Pain Inventory

Change in pain during elbow extension and elbow flexion

Time frame: This measure will be assessed at baseline and 48 hours and 72 hours following completion of the eccentric exercise protocol

Subjects will perform the following elbow movements: 1) moving from a fully flexed starting position through active range of motion to full extension 2) moving from a fully extended starting position through active range of motion to full flexion. Ratings of muscle pain intensity will be assessed following each contraction using a 0-100 scale, with "0" indicating "no pain" and "100" indicating the "most intense pain imaginable".

Change in pressure pain threshold of the affected biceps

Time frame: This measure will be assessed at baseline and 48 hours and 72 hours following completion of the eccentric exercise protocol

Using a hand-held, clinical grade pressure algometer (Wagner Instruments, Greenwich, CT), pressure will be applied to the biceps brachii muscle of the affected (non-dominant) arm while the arm is stationary at approximately 90 degrees of elbow flexion. Pressure will increase at a rate of about 1kg/s until the subject first reports feeling pain.

Change in Active Total Elbow Range of Motion (AT-ROM)

Time frame: This measure will be assessed at baseline and 48 hours and 72 hours following completion of the eccentric exercise protocol

AT-ROM in elbow flexion and extension of the elbow joint will be measured with a standard goniometer and the subject in the supine position on a padded table. The subject is instructed to flex and extend the non-dominant arm at the elbow "as far as you can". Elbow flexion and extension is assessed in the sagittal plane with the arm parallel to the trunk and in the anatomic position. The center fulcrum of the goniometer is placed over the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. The stationary arm of the goniometer is fixed along the lateral midline of the humerus in line with the acromion process and the moving arm along the lateral midline of the radius in the line with the styloid. Three measurements of active elbow flexion and extension will be conducted at each assessment time point, with the average of the three measurements used as the outcome measure for each time point.

Change in pain during elbow flexion and extension

Time frame: This measure will be assessed at baseline and 48 hours and 72 hours following completion of the eccentric exercise protocol

Subjects will perform the following elbow movements: 1) moving from a fully flexed starting position through active range of motion to full extension 2) moving from a fully extended starting position through active range of motion to full flexion. Ratings of muscle pain intensity will be assessed following each contraction using a 0-100 scale, with "0" indicating "no pain" and "100" indicating the "most intense pain imaginable".

Change in Maximal Strength of non-dominant bicep.

Time frame: This measure will be assessed at baseline and 48 hours and 72 hours following completion of the eccentric exercise protocol

Maximal strength will be assessed by performing a maximal contraction with the arm flexed at 90 degrees. The participant will be seated on a Biodex strength testing machine, with both feet on a support and the upper arm supported at 45 degrees of shoulder flexion by a padded support arm, with the forearm flexed at 90 degrees during the contraction. Three maximal contractions will be performed at 60 degrees per second with 60 seconds of rest between trials.

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Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

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How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.