Background: The characteristics of lateral epicondylitis (LE) are muscle strength weakness and increased common extensor tendon (CET) thickness. Ultrasonography has recently been used to evaluate tendinopathy. Diamond taping (DT) is commonly used to manage patients with LE. However, no previous studies have investigated the effects of DT on CET thickness.
Objects: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of DT applied around the lateral elbow on CET thickness, grip strength, and wrist extension force in healthy subjects.
Methods: The subjects were 26 adults (13 male) in their twenties. First, the CET thickness was measured at rest. The CET thickness was measured by using ultrasonography at two points. The subjects were then instructed to perform maximal grip activities or maximal wrist extension activities before and after DT around the lateral elbow. The DT technique was applied using non-elastic tape. While the subjects performed maximal grip activities, the investigator measured the maximum grip strength (MGS) and CET thickness. Likewise, while the subjects performed maximal wrist extension activities, the investigator measured the maximum wrist extension force (MWEF) and CET thickness.
Results: The MGS showed a statistically significant improvement after DT taping application in men (p < 0.05). The MWEF showed a statistically significant improvement after DT application in male (p < 0.01) and female (p < 0.05). When performing the activities, the CET thickness increased compared to that at rest. However, CET thickness didn’t show a statistically significant improvement before and after DT.
Conclusion: This study shows that DT applied around the lateral elbow is effective in improving MGS and MWEF. However, it does not affect CET thickness.

INTRODUCTION
MATERIALS AND METHODS
    1. 연구대상자
    2. 연구 절차
    3. 중재 및 평가 방법
    4. 분석 방법
RESULTS
    1. 연구대상자의 일반적인 특성
    2. 다이아몬드 테이핑 적용 전후에 최대 악력과 최대 손목 폄력비교
    3. 다이아몬드 테이핑 적용 전후에 최대 악력 발휘 시 공동폄근힘줄의 두께 비교
    4. 다이아몬드 테이핑 적용 전후에 최대 손목 폄력 발휘 시 공동폄근 힘줄의 두께 비교
DISCUSSION
CONCLUSIONS
REFERENCES

• 박소현(대전대학교 대학원 물리치료학과) | So-hyun Park (Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate School, Daejeon University)
• 김선엽(대전대학교 대학원 물리치료학과/대전대학교 보건의료과학대학 물리치료학과) | Suhn-yeop Kim (Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate School, Daejeon University/Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health and Medical Science, Daejeon University, Daejeon, Korea) Corresponding Author