Comparison of the Effectiveness of Kinesio Tape and Sham Taping on Lower Extremity Performance in Elite University Volleyball Athletes

Abstract

Introduction: Kinesio taping is widely used in sports rehabilitation to enhance muscular performance and prevent injuries, yet evidence of its superiority over sham taping in healthy athletes remains limited. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of kinesio taping and sham taping on lower-limb performance parameters among volleyball athletes, focusing on functional outcomes relevant to sports performance enhancement.
Methods: A single blind randomized clinical trial was conducted involving 38 male volleyball athletes aged 17–23 years. Participants were randomly assigned to kinesio taping or sham taping groups. Performance parameters including reaction time, explosive power, muscle strength, flexibility, and agility were measured at baseline, 20 minutes, and 72 hours post application using validated functional performance test protocols with standard measurement devices.
Result: The kinesio-taping group showed significantly greater improvements in reaction time, vertical-jump height, leg muscle strength, flexibility, and agility compared with the sham-taping group (p less than 0.05). These findings indicate enhanced neuromuscular facilitation, proprioceptive feedback, and functional muscle performance following kinesio taping.
Conclusion: Kinesio taping effectively enhances short-term and sustained lower-limb performance among volleyball athletes. It may serve as an adjunctive therapeutic and preventive approach in sports rehabilitation and performance optimization programs.