Kinesiology Taping

Kinesiological tape is frequently used to provide support for injured muscles and joints, enhance fascial function, inhibit pain-inducing stimuli, and improve blood and lymph circulation. However, there is no consensus among researchers and practitioners regarding kinesiological taping, particularly its application to improve athletic performance. This study aimed to investigate the acute changes in functional performance of volleyball players who underwent kinesiological taping. Designed as a randomized controlled experimental study, it planned to include 24 licensed female volleyball players from Anadolu Marmara Sports Schools. Players meeting the inclusion criteria were randomized into kinesiological tape (n:12) and sham (dummy-ineffective) tape (n:12) groups. The assessment will consist of a general warm-up program followed by the single-arm hop test for upper extremity strength, speed, and stability; the closed kinetic chain upper extremity endurance test for strength and endurance; and the medicine ball throw test for functional strength. Following the initial assessment, tests will be repeated immediately after facilitative taping of the pectoralis major and anterior deltoid muscles of the athletes. SPSS 24 statistical program will be used for data analysis. Continuous variables will be presented as mean ± standard deviation, and qualitative variables as number and percentage (%). If the assumptions for parametric tests are met, the Independent Samples t-test will be used for comparing independent groups, and the Paired Samples t-test will be used for comparing dependent groups. If the assumptions for parametric tests are not met, the Mann-Whitney U test will be used for comparing independent groups, and the Wilcoxon test will be used for comparing dependent groups. Statistical significance will be accepted at p≤0.05. This study is expected to contribute to performance-enhancing practices in volleyball players by providing evidence-based data on the application method and effectiveness of kinesiological taping for functional performance.

Kinesiological taping, frequently used today for the prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries and to support athlete performance, has become a popular technique in the field of sports science. However, scientific evidence on the short-term effects of this application on athletes is limited. In this context, the aim of this study is to evaluate the acute changes in functional performance parameters such as speed, agility, and explosive power in football players who underwent kinesiological taping. The aim of this study is to examine the acute effects of kinesiological taping on agility, speed, and lower extremity explosive power in football players. Participants aged 14-18 years who meet the inclusion criteria will be randomized into kinesiological tape (n:12) and sham tape (n:12) groups using a closed envelope method. The T-Agility Test will be used for agility, the 30 m Sprint Test for speed, and the Standing Long Jump Test for lower extremity explosive power. All participants will perform agility, speed, and explosive power tests after the same warm-up program. Following the initial assessment, participants will undergo quadriceps muscle technique using kinesiological taping and sham taping by the same physiotherapist. Tests will be repeated immediately after the tapes are applied. The findings are expected to provide information on the potential of kinesiological taping to contribute to short-term performance improvement in soccer players and its effects on preventing sports injuries.