ATC Taping and Bracing 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When applying kinesiology tape for lymphedema or edema reduction, the tape is applied with:
- Maximum tension (75–100% stretch)
- Moderate tension (50% stretch) over the entire strip
- No tension (paper-off stretch), fanning toward lymph nodes (Correct answer)
- 50% tension anchors with 0% tension over the edematous area
Correct answer: No tension (paper-off stretch), fanning toward lymph nodes
Lymphatic kinesiology taping uses fan-cut strips applied with minimal or no tension to lift the skin and redirect lymphatic flow toward drainage nodes.
Question 2: A soccer player requires a hamstring taping to support a Grade I strain during return to play. Kinesiology tape should be applied with the muscle in:
- Full knee flexion (shortened position)
- Hip flexion and knee extension (lengthened position) (Correct answer)
- Neutral standing position
- Prone with knee at 90° flexion
Correct answer: Hip flexion and knee extension (lengthened position)
Applying kinesiology tape with the tissue in a lengthened position creates the characteristic convolutions that provide lift and proprioceptive feedback during activity.
Question 3: Which of the following BEST describes the 'anchor' in a taping procedure?
- The circular strip at the start and end of a tape job that secures all other strips (Correct answer)
- The central strip that crosses directly over the injured structure
- The heel lock portion of an ankle tape
- The pre-wrap layer applied before any adhesive tape
Correct answer: The circular strip at the start and end of a tape job that secures all other strips
Anchors are the initial and final circular strips that secure the tape job to prevent the underlying functional strips from peeling.
Question 4: A cross-country runner develops iliotibial band syndrome. Which McConnell-style taping approach is used to unload the IT band?
- Lateral patellar glide taping
- Medial tibial glide with lateral skin tension applied to the ITB (Correct answer)
- Knee valgus correction tape
- Patellar tilt correction taping
Correct answer: Medial tibial glide with lateral skin tension applied to the ITB
Medial glide taping of the lateral thigh skin and IT band tissues reduces compression on the lateral knee structures during the stance phase.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a 'check rein' strip in wrist or finger taping?
- To compress a joint acutely after injury
- To mechanically limit motion in one direction without fully immobilizing the joint (Correct answer)
- To secure the proximal anchor of the tape job
- To fill bony prominences before applying circular strips
Correct answer: To mechanically limit motion in one direction without fully immobilizing the joint
Check reins are short strips that act as motion stops, selectively limiting one direction of movement (e.g., hyperextension) while preserving functional range.
Question 6: When performing patellar taping using the McConnell technique for patellofemoral pain, the tape is applied to correct which component FIRST?
- Anterior tilt
- Lateral glide (Correct answer)
- Medial-lateral rotation
- Superior glide
Correct answer: Lateral glide
The McConnell protocol corrects lateral glide first, as lateral displacement is the most common patellar malalignment contributing to patellofemoral pain.
Question 7: An athlete with a history of shoulder instability requires a restriction of external rotation during sport. Which taping technique is MOST appropriate?
- AC joint compression taping
- Shoulder spica with internal rotation restriction strips (Correct answer)
- Rotator cuff kinesiology taping
- Sling and swathe immobilization
Correct answer: Shoulder spica with internal rotation restriction strips
A shoulder spica with strips that limit external rotation reduces the risk of anterior glenohumeral dislocation in athletes with anterior instability.
ATC Taping and Bracing 5
When applying kinesiology tape for lymphedema or edema reduction, the tape is applied with: