Knee wraps increase torque production during passive isometric knee extension

Abstract

Knee wraps (KW) can be used as an ergogenic aid during the back squat to increase training volume and load. Previous investigations have examined carryover effect during the back squat, though the amount of torque produced at the knee due to the KWs remains unknown. Therefore, this investigation examined the influence of KWs on passive torque production, and its relationship to knee circumference. Nine resistance trained men performed two, 5 second passive isometric knee extensions with (KW) and without (UW) knee wraps at nine different angles (70°, 75°, 80°, 85°, 90°, 95°, 100°, 105°, and 110°). Data were analyzed via two‐way repeated measures ANOVA to assess differences between conditions, while Pearson's product‐moment correlations were used to assess the relationship between torque production and knee circumference. A significant interaction was observed for passive torque, revealing differences between all angles in KW (P ≤ .05), while differences during UW were only observed at angles greater than 90° (P ≤ .05). Paired samples t‐tests indicated differences between conditions at every angle except 70° (P ≤ .05). Knee circumference was not correlated to torque production at any angle (r = ≤ .411, P > .272). These results demonstrate the applicability of KW to passively increase torque produced at the knee during extension, independent of knee circumference.