Effects of Double-Taped Kinesio Taping on Pain and Functional Performance due to Muscle Fatigue in Young Males: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Haneul Lee,Hyoungwon Lim

doi:10.3390/ijerph17072364

Abstract

Kinesio taping (KT) is widely applied for pain control and rehabilitation in clinical settings. Tape tension is a key factor in the taping method. However, limited evidence exists regarding the reinforced tension effects of KT on functional performance and pain in healthy individuals. This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of double-taped Kinesio taping (DTKT) on functional performance and pain caused by muscle fatigue after exercise. A total of 44 healthy male students (mean age, 23.3 ± 2.2 years) were randomly assigned to the following three groups: DTKT, normal-tape Kinesio taping (NTKT), and placebo. The single-hopping (SH) distance, vertical jump height (VJH), and power (VJP) were assessed at baseline. The muscle fatigue protocol was then applied to induce muscle soreness. Outcome measures including subjective pain, SH distance, VJH and VJP were evaluated immediately after the muscle fatigue protocol, and KT was then applied; the measures were then again evaluated immediately and 24 h after KT application. No significant interactions between pain and functional performance were observed (p > 0.05), and there were no significant differences in SH, VJH, and VJP among the groups (p > 0.05). Notably, the DTKT had an immediate effect on the alleviation of pain caused by muscle fatigue. The present findings indicate that DTKT is not superior to NTKT or placebo in terms of pain relief and enhancing functional performance after tape application in healthy male students.

Highlights

The double-taped Kinesio taping (DTKT) had an immediate effect on the alleviation of pain caused by muscle fatigue
The present findings indicate that DTKT is not superior to normal-tape Kinesio taping (NTKT) or placebo in terms of pain relief and enhancing functional performance after tape application in healthy male students
Our results indicate that there were no significant interactions in pain, SH distance, vertical jump height (VJH), and vertical jump power (VJP) between the groups and time points

Summary

Introduction

In various sports and exercise activities, vertical jumping is a well-known movement [11,12]. Quick extension of the lower limb joints, including the hip, knee, and ankle, occurs before beginning the push-off movement. The vertical jump height (VJH) is an essential factor for sports performance that is often considered an indicator of an individual’s ability to participate in exercise or sports activities. Vertical jumping can be used as exercise training to gain strength and increase power of the lower extremities. Vertical jumping-associated movements comprise actions at multiple joints, including the hip, knee, and ankle, with active contraction of the major muscles such as hamstrings, quadriceps, triceps surae, and muscles of the lower back [14]

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Conclusion