ATC Taping and Bracing 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which technique is used when taping a sprained ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb (gamekeeper's thumb)?
- Spica taping of the thumb restricting radial deviation and extension (Correct answer)
- Buddy taping the thumb to the index finger only
- Dorsal blocking tape along the thenar eminence
- Compression wrap of the wrist and thumb with circular strips
Correct answer: Spica taping of the thumb restricting radial deviation and extension
Thumb spica taping limits the radial deviation and hyperextension that stress the UCL at the first MCP joint.
Question 2: Kinesiology tape (KT tape) applied with HIGH tension over a muscle belly is intended to:
- Inhibit the muscle by reducing afferent input
- Facilitate the muscle by increasing cutaneous proprioceptive feedback (Correct answer)
- Restrict joint range of motion mechanically
- Reduce lymphatic drainage in the area
Correct answer: Facilitate the muscle by increasing cutaneous proprioceptive feedback
High-tension kinesiology tape application over a muscle is used for facilitation, promoting neuromuscular activation.
Question 3: When removing adhesive tape from skin, the SAFEST technique to minimize skin trauma is:
- Pull the tape rapidly at 180° back over itself
- Pull the tape slowly at a 45° angle while supporting the skin distal to the peel (Correct answer)
- Soak the tape with water first, then peel upward
- Use scissors to cut through the tape before pulling
Correct answer: Pull the tape slowly at a 45° angle while supporting the skin distal to the peel
Peeling tape at a low angle while supporting adjacent skin reduces shear forces and minimizes epidermal stripping.
Question 4: A basketball player has recurrent lateral ankle sprains. Which functional brace design offers the MOST evidence-based prevention of re-injury?
- Lace-up ankle brace (Correct answer)
- Rigid stirrup brace (e.g., Aircast)
- Prophylactic taping with basket-weave
- Compression sleeve without rigid support
Correct answer: Lace-up ankle brace
Lace-up ankle braces have the strongest evidence for reducing recurrent lateral ankle sprains in basketball players.
Question 5: What is the primary rationale for applying a horseshoe (U-shaped) pad around a lateral ankle sprain acutely?
- To prevent dorsiflexion during ambulation
- To apply compression and reduce edema formation around the malleolus (Correct answer)
- To provide rigid support equal to a stirrup brace
- To facilitate proprioceptive retraining
Correct answer: To apply compression and reduce edema formation around the malleolus
The U-shaped pad channels compression forces around the malleolus, reducing edema pooling in the acute phase.
Question 6: A gymnast needs wrist support that allows some flexion/extension but limits radial and ulnar deviation. Which taping approach is MOST appropriate?
- Circular wrist wraps covering the entire joint
- Fan strips applied dorsally and palmarly with lateral check reins (Correct answer)
- Buddy taping to the adjacent finger
- Figure-of-eight elastic tape wrap
Correct answer: Fan strips applied dorsally and palmarly with lateral check reins
Fan strips on the dorsal and palmar wrist with lateral check-rein strips selectively limit side-to-side deviation while preserving flexion-extension.
Question 7: Which condition is a CONTRAINDICATION to applying adhesive tape directly over an area?
- Mild muscle soreness
- Open wound or skin breakdown in the tape area (Correct answer)
- Mild joint stiffness post-exercise
- Mild swelling without skin compromise
Correct answer: Open wound or skin breakdown in the tape area
Applying tape over open skin creates a risk of infection, worsens tissue damage, and impairs wound healing.
ATC Taping and Bracing 4
Which technique is used when taping a sprained ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb (gamekeeper's thumb)?