Acute Effects of Kinesiology Taping on Performance in Soccer Players

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.

Kinesiological taping, also known as elastic bandaging, is a treatment method developed by Kenzo Kase in 1973. Kinesiological tape (KT) application is a technique aimed at improving muscle function by strengthening weakened muscles, providing cutaneous stimulation that facilitates or restricts movement, reducing edema by directing fluid to lymphatic channels and lymph nodes, correcting joint position to alleviate muscle spasms, and reducing pain through neural pathways. Sports and functional performance, which is the result of the interaction of many mental and physical factors, includes fundamental components such as jumping, strength, endurance, and flexibility. One of the most important factors for improving and maximizing athletic performance is the development of physical abilities. With the increasing use of KT among both elite and amateur athletes in recent years, studies on the effect of KT on sports performance have also increased, but different results have been reported. Although KT has shown various effects on sports injuries, pain reduction, range of motion, and muscle strength, the results of studies on performance determinants are contradictory. A review of the literature reveals uncertainty regarding the application method and mechanisms of action of KT. It is noteworthy that inconsistencies exist. Therefore, further studies and evidence are needed to confirm the effectiveness of kinesiological taping. Therefore, one of the aims of our study is to contribute to the literature by investigating the effectiveness of kinesiological taping. Additionally, we aim to demonstrate the effectiveness of a methodology addressing the confusion and uncertainty surrounding parameters such as the application method and tension of the taping technique, and to provide data based on the literature regarding the application method and results of kinesiological taping techniques.