Background: Lateral epicondylitis (LE) is the most common chronic musculoskeletal pain condition of the upper extremities. LE is often related to forceful grip activities that require isometric contraction of the wrist extensors. A previous study evaluated the effect of the diamond taping technique on grip strength and pain; however, there has been no report on the change in the electromyography (EMG) findings of wrist extensors.
Objects: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of diamond taping technique, using a rigid tape, on the EMG activities of the extensor carpi radialis (ECR) during grip activities. Methods: Twenty-four healthy subjects (mean age = 21.50 ± 2.76 years) volunteered to participate in this study. The subjects were instructed to perform forceful grip activities with and without diamond-type taping on the origin area of the ECR. Grip strength tests were performed at 100%, 75%, 50%, and 25% for maximal isometric contraction force. EMG data were collected from the ECR. Repeated measure analysis of variance was used to analyze the effect of grip force and taping (with and without). Statistical significance levels were set at α = 0.05. Comparison of the results with and without taping at different grip force were analyzed using independent t-test. Statistical significance levels were set at α = 0.01.
Results: Statistically significant association was observed between the taping application and forceful grip activity as revealed by the EMG data of the ECR (p < 0.05). EMG of the ECR significantly reduced for all muscle strength levels (p < 0.01) after taping.
Conclusion: This study shows an impressive effect of the diamond taping technique, using rigid tape, on wrist extensors during grip activities. Decreasing muscle activity via this taping approach could be utilized to enhance pain-free grip force and reduce pain in patients with LE. Our study suggested that this taping technique could be considered as an effective management strategy of LE.

INTRODUCTION
MATERIALS AND METHODS
    1. 연구대상자
    2. 연구 절차
    3. 측정 방법
    4. 분석 방법
RESULTS
    1. 다이아몬드 테이핑 적용 전후에 악력 강도 수준에 따른 노쪽손목폄근의 근활성도 비교
DISCUSSION
CONCLUSIONS
REFERENCES

• 황천종(대전대학교 대학원 물리치료학과) | Tian-zong Huang (Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate School, Daejeon University)
• 김선엽(대전대학교 보건의료과학대학 물리치료학과) | Suhn-yeop Kim (Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health and Medical Science, Daejeon University) Corresponding Author