Immediate and mid-term effects of elastic taping on gymnast's postural control performance during a handstand.

Background The study explored whether three different applications of an elastic tape on the forearms of healthy, active gymnasts influence their postural control performance during a handstand immediately and 48 hours after application. Material/Methods 24 gymnasts were randomly assigned to three groups: group 1 - elastic tape application at a gymnast's wrist joints, group 2 - elastic tape application at a gymnast's forearm muscles, and group 3 - a combination of groups 1 and 2. The gymnast's center of pressure was measured with a mobile balance platform, indicating postural control performance during a handstand. Results The gymnast's postural control performance during a handstand is affected depending on the elastic tape application and the time span the application is in situ. Elastic tape application on a gymnast's wrist joints reveals a performance increase immediately and 48 hours after application. Elastic tape application on a gymnast's forearm muscles increases performance when applied for 48 hours. Combined elastic tape application does not additionally affect gymnast's postural control performance. Conclusions Elastic tape applications can increase postural control performance during a handstand. Furthermore, it is supposed that mechano-sensory stimulation, improved attention and awareness due to elastic tape application and the belief in its effectiveness may be moderating mechanisms of this effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]