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.