Athletic Taping and Bracing, ed 2.

Athletic Taping and Bracing, ed 2 Perrin DH. Champaign, IL 61825, Human Kinetics, 2005, paperback, 123 pp, illus, ISBN: 0-7360-4811-1, $39.

This text is an excellent teaching reference for athletic training students or any person interested in the taping intervention. The author establishes a foundation for the reader, beginning with the basic knowledge of anatomical structures and the biomechanics of the joints and then discussing the appropriate application of tape and braces for treatment or prevention of injuries. There are numerous color illustrations of step-by-step instructions for each taping procedure described; the tape in the illustrations is outlined in black, making it easier for the reader to follow along. The anatomy pictures, published by Primal Pictures, are used to enhance the discussion of the bony, muscular, and surface anatomy for each joint. The text is augmented by palpation landmarks that are highlighted in a table, while new terms are bolded throughout the text and defined in a separate block to provide an easy reference for definitions. The book illustrates normal range of motions for each joint and includes the stretching and strengthening exercises that supplement taping and bracing. The format for each chapter is similar, making the book easy to follow and facilitating the use of the material by the student.

The book is divided into 7 chapters. Chapter 1 establishes the foundation for athletic taping and bracing. Anatomic knowledge is stressed so that the reader understands the effect of tape and braces on performance. Application and removal techniques are stressed to enhance patient comfort. Chapters 2 through 7 address the 6 major areas of the body that are taped and braced: the foot, ankle, and leg; the knee; the thigh, hip, and pelvis; the shoulder and arm; the elbow and forearm; and the wrist and hand. The most commonly used procedures are discussed. The closed, open, and alternative basket weave taping procedure is emphasized for lateral ankle injuries in chapter 2. This chapter also includes taping procedures for shin splints, the Achilles tendon, heel pain, plus various arch taping and support techniques, as well as an introduction to orthotics. A valid caution is included for a referral to an experienced clinician for the fabrication of orthoses.

The author presents the most common taping techniques for the knee in chapter 3. These include athletic taping for the collateral and cruciate ligaments and the hyperextended knee. Functional knee braces are discussed as well for the prevention of ligamentous injury or in the athlete's rehabilitation. Using leukotape according to McConnell procedures to control patellofemoral dysfunction also is described, along with typical knee sleeves with straps to help control the patella.

Chapter 4 covers the use of an elastic wrap to support the thigh, hip, and pelvis and the use of straps for groin, hamstring, and quadriceps strains. Protective pads are discussed for a quadriceps femoris contusion and the bony prominence of the anterior superior iliac spine in a hip pointer. The author follows up with the shoulder in chapter 5, describing the shoulder spica for the glenohummoral joint and similar protective pad construction for the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. A nice addition to this chapter is the description of how to use McConnell taping for the AC joint.

The sixth chapter features the elbow and provides helpful advice about limitations. For example, the author states that the elbow is difficult to control with tape for collateral ligament injury, but the tape may provide some comfort. Counterforce bracing or taping for epicondylitis is described with a caution for the young athlete and the possibility of an avulsion fracture. The final chapter includes taping for wrist, thumb, and finger sprains. The only finger splint described is that used for a mallet finger.

Overall, this book provides an excellent learning opportunity in basic taping and wrapping techniques, with illustrations that are easy to follow. The anatomy and biomechanics-based rationale for application can help the student to integrate this skill into their problem solving, not only to apply the taping procedures discussed in this book, but to expand this knowledge to new situations.

Rose L Smith, PT, DPT, SCS, ATC 

University of Cincinnati 

Cincinnati, Ohio

Smith is Assistant Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Interim Director of the Health Sciences Program, Clinical Instructor in the Athletic Training Program, and NovaCare rehabilitation specialist for the UC Athletic Department.