The Time-Based Effects of Kinesio Taping on Acute-Onset Muscle Soreness and Calf Muscle Extensibility among Endurance Athletes: A Randomized Cross-Over Trial

Abstract

Background: This study aims to determine the effects of kinesio tape (KT) application on acute-onset muscle soreness and the extensibility of the calf muscles in endurance athletes. Methods: A one-arm repeated-measures randomized cross-over controlled study design investigated 55 endurance athletes, including 10 cyclists, 30 badminton players, and 15 long-distance runners (mean age 16.40 ± 2.69) from different stadia in Delhi NCR, India. KT and sham tapes (ST) were applied randomly to right and left legs (prone position) in a cross-over manner with a gap of 72 h. Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ADFROM) and pain due to acute-onset muscle soreness were assessed immediately and 10 min and 30 min after treadmill running, using a universal goniometer and numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), respectively, along with the time to fatigue. Results: A statistically significant difference was observed for the NPRS when the mean scores obtained for the KT and ST groups were compared immediately after cessation of running; however, the difference was not statistically significant in the NPRS score that was recorded ten or thirty minutes after. The range of motion increased significantly after the application of both the KT and the ST. After running on a treadmill, the range of motion decreased significantly with both the KT and ST, and the decrease was similar. Conclusion: KT was more effective in reducing the pain intensity immediately after running and increased the time spent running on the treadmill before fatigue set in among endurance athletes. In addition, the two taping methods (KT or ST) were equally effective in enhancing calf muscle extensibility (for both right and left legs) immediately after application. However, both taping methods failed in limiting the decrease in ankle ADFROM after treadmill running.

Clinical and exercise professional opinion of return-to-running readiness after childbirth: an international Delphi study and consensus statement

“…The only studies examining the effect of taping in postpartum populations relate to DRA, with no implications for running 118 119. In the general running population, only lower extremity taping has been studied and there is conflicting evidence on whether it provides benefits for pain or performance 120–123…”

“…118,119 In the general running population, only lower extremity taping has been studied and there is conflicting evidence on whether it provides benefits for pain or performance. [120][121][122][123] (Level of evidence III).…”

Immediate effect of kinesiology taping on muscle strength, static balance and proprioception after eccentric muscle fatigue on ankle: a randomized cross-over trial

“…The primary reliance on isometric muscle contraction in maintaining static balance does not necessitate the generation of additional joint activity. Although KT possesses excellent extensibility, this property could limit its effect on static balance [60]. AT, being non-elastic, offers a superior stabilizing and supportive effect on the joint, similar to an ankle brace, which significantly strengthens joint stability and limits the range of motion to increase joint stiffness, ultimately promoting static balance [61,62].…”