The Effects of Kinesio Tape on Range of Motion, Power Output, and Strength in Female Collegiate Club Athletes​​.

Purpose: In athletics, lower extremity muscle strains comprise a large percentage of all injuries recorded. To date, no conclusive research exists in determining the most successful and effective preventative technique through improving strength and range of motion (ROM). The purpose of this study; therefore, was to determine the effectiveness of Kinesio Tape (KT) and its sustainability of the anecdotally proposed benefits of increased muscular strength, elasticity, and power output amongst female collegiate club athletes. Methods: Thirteen female college students (ages 18-22 years) participated in this study. All participants were randomly assigned to either the hamstrings or quadriceps treatment groups. Each group underwent identical treatment protocol during each of the three measurement sessions: baseline, immediately post-application, and 3-days post-application. During the second session, the KT was applied bilaterally to the participant according to their randomly assigned treatment group. Each treatment session was conducted and administered with 72 hours between sessions. Bilateral ROM, power output, and bilateral isokinetic strength were measured using the following assessment techniques: two-arm manual goniometer, Vertec, and the HumacNorm isokinetic machine, respectively. Results: Isokinetic strength and ROM were statistically analyzed according to treatment group, as compared to an overall result. A one-way repeated measures analysis of variance (RM ANOVA) revealed no time effect on right and left limb isokinetic strength at 60 and 180 degrees per second for both hamstrings and quadriceps groups (p > .05). With respect to ROM, one-way RM ANOVA showed significant time effects on active hip flexion for hamstrings group and active knee flexion for quadriceps group bilaterally. Paired-samples t-tests revealed a significant increase in right and left hip flexion from baseline to 3-day post application, t(5)=3.54, p=.017 and t(5)=6.96, p=.001, respectively, as well as from baseline to immediately post-application, t(5) =-3.97, p =.01 and t(5)=-2.64, p=.046, respectively. Amongst the quadriceps group, a significant increase was found in the right and left active knee flexion from immediately post-application to 3-days post-application, t(6)=-3.47, p=.013 and t(6)=-3.11, p=.021. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant time effect. Paired-samples t-tests indicated significant improvement in power output performance from baseline (14.94±1.68 inches) to 3-day post-application (16.13±1.77 inches), t(12)=-4.21, p=.001. There was also significance between immediately post-application (15.34±2.03 inches) and 3-day post-application, t(12)=-2.37, p=.036. The participants’ perceived overall performance (as measured by Global Rating of Change Scale; range -7 to 7) was 2.31±1.75, indicating a slight improvement in their subjective rating. Conclusion: The current study showed that the use of KT could improve athletic performance where increased hip and knee ROM and power are of importance. Further research should focus on the impacts of improved muscle elasticity and lower extremity power on injury prevention.