Immediate Effect of Kinesio Taping on Muscle Response in Young Elite Soccer Players

Context: Kinesio taping (KT) is a new taping technique increasingly used in sports medicine to improve muscle performance; however, its real effect is not entirely known. Objective: To assess the immediate effects of KT on muscle performance in young healthy elite soccer players. Design: Crossover study. Setting: University laboratory. Participants: Eighteen young elite soccer players voluntarily participated in the study (mean +/- SEM: age 18.20 +/- 2.45 y, height 1.76 +/- 3.56 m, body mass 65.25 +/- 3.76 kg, body-mass index 20.12 +/- 1.25 kg/m(2)). Interventions: Each subject completed 2 different protocols, with and without KT. Interventions were performed in a random order, with a washout period between conditions of 1 wk. Main Outcome Measures: Outcome measures included tensiomyographic response in the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis, power output with 30 and 50 kg, counteimovement jump, and 10-m sprint. Results: Data showed no significant differences for any of the outcomes analyzed between interventions. Conclusions: KT does not produce a short-term improvement in muscle performance in young elite soccer players.