Electromyographic Analysis of Forearm Muscles During Karate Punching With and Without Rigid Wrist Taping
Abstract
Background: Wrist taping has been widely used in combat sports to prevent injuries; however, its effects on neuromuscular function during punching remain unclear. Understanding how taping influences forearm muscle activity can provide valuable insights into trauma prophylaxis and performance enhancement. We aimed to investigate the impact of rigid wrist taping on forearm muscle activity during punching movements. A total of 26 healthy male university students were included and divided into two punching task condition groups: with wrist taping (tape) and without taping (no-tape).
Methods: Surface electromyography recordings from the flexor carpi radialis (FCR), extensor carpi radialis (ECR), and extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) were analysed, after which muscle activity was evaluated in pre- and post-impact phases. Subjective ease of punching and perceived impact were also assessed using a numerical rating scale.
Results: No significant differences in muscle activity were found between the conditions during the pre-impact phase. In contrast, during the post-impact phase, FCR activity was significantly more pronounced in the tape condition than in the no-tape condition (p < 0.05). Both conditions showed greater muscle activity in all muscles during the post-impact phase than during the pre-impact phase (p < 0.05). Subjective ratings indicated greater ease of punching and higher perceived impact in the tape condition (p < 0.01).
Conclusion: Rigid wrist taping improves forearm muscle activity, particularly FCR, during the impact phase of punching. This effect may be mediated by increased proprioceptive input and joint stiffness, which facilitates force transmission and punching performance.
Keywords: Electromyography, wrist joint, injury prevention, sports
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