We investigated whether a relationship exists between the inherent timing skill of
subject and the magnitude of effect of KT on timing performance by expanding the examination
of the dataset described in our previous work. Healthy subjects, tested with and without
KT (NKT), performed sets of repetitive wrist's flexion-extensions (IWFEs) with the
dominant limb (DL) and the non-dominant limb (NDL) in a synchronization-continuation
task at two inter-onset intervals (IOIs): 550-ms and 800-ms. Standard deviation (SD)
of IWFEs was used to measure the unevenness of performance. Different patterns of
response to KT were observed based on the participant’s inherent precision. In the
NDL the effect of KT was found significantly higher in the subgroups of individuals
having SDNKT of IWFEs>38 ms (p=0.0024) in the 800-ms IOI or SDNKT of IWFEs>19 ms (p=0.0004) in the 550-ms IOI. In the DL the effect of KT was not influenced
by the inherent timing skill. We propose KT to be tested for restoring motor control
on subjects experiencing sensorimotor disorders associated with intense repetitive
training. Also, our findings suggest that care should be taken when using groups of
healthy subjects to test the effect of KT.
Key words
elastic bandage - rhythmic motor skills - motor control - upper limbs asymmetries
