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Force-Deformation Relationship for Kinesiology Therapeutic Tape. Patrick Loshek Dr. Naira Campbell- Kyureghyan. Background and Method. Background. Methods. 9 different KT tapes were collected and tested Specimen were loaded into the MTS test frame and loaded to 1N over 10 seconds
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Force-Deformation Relationship for Kinesiology Therapeutic Tape Patrick Loshek Dr. Naira Campbell-Kyureghyan
Background and Method Background Methods 9 different KT tapes were collected and tested Specimen were loaded into the MTS test frame and loaded to 1N over 10 seconds Samples were loaded at a controlled deformation rate 1mm/s Up to approximately 70% deformation • Athletes are constantly trying a gain a competitive edge, more and more are turning to Kinesiology Therapeutic Tape (KT Tape) • These tapes claim to aid in the prevention of injury and fatigue, as well as aid in recovery • Research has shown that KT Tape have no significant effect in any of these areas (Williams 2012) • No research has been conducted on the mechanical properties 70% 0%
Results • Seven of the nine tapes displayed a similar force-deformation relationship which did not demonstrate a significant increase in stiffness until reaching above 50% deformation • Tape one demonstrate a unique force-deformation relationship similar in appearance to elastic-yielding strain hardening up to 50% deformation then increasing in stiffness at larger deformation • Tape one at 20% deformation (Typical application deformation) demonstrated a significantly higher force of 21.5 N vs. 1.7 N average for the eight other KT Tapes • Tape six demonstrated a unique force-deformation relationship that was nearly linear
Discussion • The low force-deformation relationship demonstrated by the majority of KT tapes does not support the claims made by the manufacturers, which is concurrent with previous research1,2 • KT Tape 1 at 20% deformation demonstrated a substantially higher force-deformation relationship it may provide more support than other KT Tapes