Elastic Tape-induced Pattern Changes in Knee Angle during Gait

[Purpose] To verify how the application of elastic tape to the anterior surface of the thigh changes the knee angle pattern during gait. [Subjects] The subjects were 10 persons who showed an abnormal gait pattern when walking ordinarily. [Method] Subjects were asked to walk as usual, and with elastic tape attached to the anterior surface of the thigh. The knee angle was measured during gait with an electronic goniometer. We graphed the temporal changes of knee angle and compared them with the normal gait pattern. [Results] With application of the tape, the knee angle gait pattern of 6 of the 10 subjects improved, becoming like that of the normal gait pattern. [Conclusion] The application of elastic tape to the anterior surface of the thigh changed the knee angle gait pattern. The change in knee angle resulted from stimulus via the skin, rather than voluntary muscular adjustment, suggesting the possibility that it originated from a change in reflexive tensile strength.