The effect of quadriceps femoris muscle Kinesio Taping on physical fitness indices in non-injured athletes.

Background: Evaluating the effect of kinesio taping of quadriceps femoris muscle on some physical fitness indices including maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), vertical jump, agility and sprint in healthy collegiate athletes.

Methods: Forty-four (23 male and 21 female) healthy collegiate athletes voluntarily participated in this study. The MVIC of quadriceps muscle (N) of the dominant leg was assessed by digital Dynamometer. vertical jump, agility and sprint was assessed using Sargent vertical jump, shuttle run agility and 30-yard sprint tests, respectively. All measures were obtained in 4 trails: control (without taping), two trials with 24 hours interval, immediately and 24 hours after tape application. Two conditions of with and without taping measures were performed by one week interval. Everybody was compared to themselves during different situations. Data was analyzed using SPSS software and ANOVA with repeated measure statistical test.

Results: MVIC, jumping and sprint performance significantly improved immediately and 24 hours following KT application compared to non KT conditions (P<0.05). Agility was improved 24 hours following taping (P<0.05), but KT caused no significant immediate effect on agility (P>0.05). 24 hours KT caused significant improvement in MVIC, jumping and agility performance, but caused no significant effect on sprint compared to immediately following taping.

Conclusions: KT influenced positively MVIC, jumping, agility and sprint and the major effect was achieved by maintaining KT for 24hours in healthy athletes. Although, regarding the study limitations, future studies are recommended for clarification.