Hermes Romero, PT, PhD, DPT, MS, CSCS, RSCC*E*

hromero@usa.edu

Juan Antonio Morales, PTA, PhD, MS, CSCS**

jmorwhite@hotmail.com

*Bachelor of Science (Cultura Física)

UCCFD Manuel Fajardo. Habana, Cuba

Master’s Degree (Exercise Science)

Pennsylvania West University. Pennsylvania, USA

Master’s Degree (Sport Physical Therapy)

Tech Technological University. Madrid, Spain

Doctor of Physical Therapy. A. T. Still University. Arizona, USA

Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology). Universidad de Baja California. Tepic, México

Registered Physical Therapist. Florida State, USA

Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)

National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), USA

Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach Emeritus (RSCC*E)

National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), USA

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, Miami, USA

Assistant Professor-Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

**Bachelor of Science (Cultura Física). UCCFD Manuel Fajardo. Habana, Cuba

Master’s Degree (Sport Physical Therapy). Universidad Europea, Madrid, Spain

Doctor of Philosophy (Educational Sciences) Tech Technological University. Madrid, Spain

Registered Physical Therapist Assistant. Florida State, USA

Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)

National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), USA

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, Miami, USA

Research Collaborator-Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

(USA)

Reception: 06/30/2024 - Acceptance: 10/06/2024

1st Review: 09/03/2024 - 2nd Review: 10/02/2024

Accessible document. Law N° 26.653. WCAG 2.0

Suggested reference: Romero, H., y Morales, J.A. (2024). The Use of Kinesio Taping and its Effects on the Performance of Soccer Players. A Systematic Review. Lecturas: Educación Física y Deportes, 29(318), 162-181. https://doi.org/10.46642/efd.v29i318.7760

 

Abstract

    Purpose: To determine the effects of Kinesio Taping (KT) on physical performance in soccer players. Methods: A systematic search was conducted using the PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science databases. Inclusion criteria were randomized clinical trials; studies on healthy male and female soccer players aged 18-65 years; studies using KT. The search terms used were "(Kinesio Tape OR Kinesio Taping OR Kinesiology Tape OR Kinesiology Taping) AND (Football OR Soccer) AND (Performance OR Strength OR Balance)". All original studies published in English or translated to English from January 2014 to June 2024 were considered. Results: Six studies with a total of 172 subjects (all male, aged 18-31 years) were included. Three studies applied KT to prevent instability using functional correction techniques, on the knees and ankles. Five studies used KT to improve performance-related parameters using muscular strengthening/facilitation techniques, targeting the quadriceps, tibialis anterior, and iliopsoas muscles. Three studies showed significant performance improvements with KT, though two of these also included balance exercise protocols. Conclusions: While some studies demonstrated positive effects of KT on soccer performance, the evidence is not conclusive. More high-quality research is needed to definitively determine the effectiveness of KT for enhancing physical performance in soccer players.

    Keywords: Kinesio Tape. Soccer. Performance. Physiotherapy.

 

Resumen

    Objetivo: Determinar los efectos del de Kinesio Taping (KT) en el rendimiento físico de jugadores de fútbol. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática utilizando las bases de datos PubMed, Medline y Web of Science. Los criterios de inclusión fueron: ensayos clínicos aleatorios; estudios en jugadores de fútbol sanos, hombres y mujeres, de 18 a 65 años; estudios que utilizan KT. Los términos de búsqueda utilizados fueron "(Kinesio Tape OR Kinesio Taping OR Kinesiology Tape OR Kinesiology Taping) y (Football OR Soccer) y (Performance OR Strength OR Balance)". Se consideraron todos los estudios originales publicados en inglés o traducidos al inglés desde enero 2014 hasta junio del 2024. Resultados: Se incluyeron seis estudios con un total de 172 sujetos (todos hombres, de 18 a 31 años). Tres estudios aplicaron KT para prevenir la inestabilidad utilizando técnicas de corrección funcional, principalmente en las rodillas y los tobillos. Cinco estudios utilizaron KT para mejorar los parámetros relacionados con el rendimiento utilizando técnicas de fortalecimiento/facilitación muscular, dirigidas a los músculos cuádriceps, tibial anterior e iliopsoas. Tres estudios mostraron mejoras significativas en el rendimiento con KT, aunque dos de ellos también incluyeron protocolos de ejercicios de equilibrio. Conclusiones: Si bien algunos estudios demostraron efectos positivos de la KT en el rendimiento del fútbol, la evidencia no es concluyente. Se necesita más investigación de alta calidad para determinar de manera definitiva la eficacia de la KT para mejorar el rendimiento físico en jugadores de fútbol.

    Palabras clave: Kinesiotaping. Fútbol. Rendimiento. Fisioterapia.

 

Resumo

    Objetivo: Determinar os efeitos da Kinesio Taping (KT) no desempenho físico de jogadores de futebol. Métodos: Foi realizada uma pesquisa sistemática nas bases de dados PubMed, Medline e Web of Science. Os critérios de inclusão foram: ensaios clínicos randomizados; estudos em jogadores de futebol saudáveis, homens e mulheres, com idades compreendidas entre os 18 e os 65 anos; estudos utilizando KT. Os termos de pesquisa utilizados foram “(Kinesio Tape OR Kinesio Taping OR Kinesiology Tape OR Kinesiology Taping) and (Football OR Soccer) and (Performance OR Strength OR Balance)”. Foram considerados todos os estudos originais publicados em inglês ou traduzidos para inglês de janeiro de 2014 a junho de 2024. Resultados: Foram incluídos seis estudos com um total de 172 sujeitos (todos homens, dos 18 aos 31 anos). Três estudos aplicaram o KT para prevenir a instabilidade utilizando técnicas de correção funcional, principalmente nos joelhos e tornozelos. Cinco estudos utilizaram a KT para melhorar os parâmetros relacionados com o desempenho utilizando técnicas de fortalecimento/facilitação muscular, visando os músculos quadríceps, tibial anterior e iliopsoas. Três estudos mostraram melhorias significativas no desempenho com KT, embora dois deles também incluíssem protocolos de exercício de equilíbrio. Conclusões: Embora alguns estudos demonstrem efeitos positivos do KT no desempenho no futebol, as evidências não são conclusivas. São necessárias mais pesquisas de alta qualidade para determinar definitivamente a eficácia do KT na melhoria do desempenho físico em jogadores de futebol.

    Unitermos: Kinesio taping. Futebol. Desempenho. Fisioterapia.

 

Lecturas: Educación Física y Deportes, Vol. 29, Núm. 318, Nov. (2024)

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Introduction 

 

    Soccer is one of the most popular sports practiced worldwide, it involves tasks such as running, cutting, jumping, and landing. Therefore, soccer players are at high risks of lower extremity injuries (Hong et al., 2023). To decrease the occurrence of those injuries, soccer players use different external adjuncts to improve joint stability and proprioception and thus enhance their performance. (Stanković et al., 2024)

 

    One of the external adjuncts currently used in sports is Kinesio Taping (KT), a method created and developed back in the 1960’s by Dr. Kenzo Kase (Kase, & Kase, 2013; Sitthipornvorakul et al., 2024). Athletes widely use KT to decrease the incidence and recover from injuries, as well as to improve performance (Alrawaili, 2019; Hanayoğlu, & Can, 2023). As stated by Müller, & Brandes (2015) there has been a resurgence of interest and greater utilization of the method, particularly in the areas of sports physical therapy, sports medicine, and athletic performance (Figure 1).

 

Source: Authors

 

    Despite limited investigation, the application of KT is thought to produce circulatory effects (Azimi et al., 2024). This is believed to be achieved by lifting the skin from the underlying tissues, which increases the interstitial space, potentially leading to reduced edema and improved blood flow (Azimi et al., 2024; Woodward, Unnithan, & Hopkins, 2015). The knee is a very vulnerable joint in soccer, particularly during landing, cutting, and deceleration maneuvers (Espi-Lopez et al., 2020). In contrast, ankle instability often results in ankle sprains (Biz et al., 2022; Kase, & Kase, 2013; Lee, & Lee, 2015), which is a common injury in soccer (Stryker et al., 2016). KT interventions have been used to help reduce sports-related injuries. (Ingles et al., 2019)

 

    The use of KT in soccer has become more prevalent as a strategy to enhance athletic performance. Reported benefits include improved balance (Bailey, & Firth, 2017; Espi-Lopez et al., 2020; Ingles et al., 2019), increased jumping power (Baştürk et al., 2015; de Hoyo et al., 2013), enhanced ball velocity and accuracy (Müller, & Brandes, 2015; Sasadai et al., 2015), and greater agility during gameplay (Baştürk et al., 2015; Serra et al., 2015). Nichols et al. (2019) studied the effects of KT on balance in athletes, suggesting that it can improve proprioception. The researchers proposed that by facilitating the activation of mechanoreceptors in the skin and underlying muscles, KT can enhance joint proprioception and balance.

 

    Similarly, Nunes et al. (2013) investigated the use of KT to improve strength in track and field and volleyball athletes. Their findings indicate that KT can improve muscle tone and activate lower limb muscles, which in turn enhances performance in activities like jumping. Although previous research has indicated KT as a potential method for improving sports performance (Baştürk et al., 2015; Hanayoğlu et al., 2023; Pyšný, Pyšná, & Petrů, 2015; Qi et al., 2022), the efficacy of this application remains questionable. (Reneker et al., 2018)

 

    This systematic review sought to evaluate the effectiveness of KT on the physical performance of healthy, adult soccer players.

 

Materials and methods 

 

Study design 

 

    A systematic review was conducted on June 2024 using the methodological guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-analysis PRISMA. (Moher et al., 2009)

 

Eligibility criteria 

 

    To reach the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the PICOS model was used (Table 1).

 

P (Participants)	I (Intervention)	C (Comparison)	O (Outcome)	S (Study)
Healthy soccer players male and female 18-65 years old	Use of Kinesio Taping	No Kinesio Taping	Effects the strength and balance as indicators of Performance	Randomized Clinical Trials

Source: Authors

 

    Inclusion criteria: Randomized controlled trials, studies with male and female healthy soccer players, studies with healthy subjects, studies using KT, studies with subjects between 18-65 years old.

 

    Exclusion criteria: Studies performed in animals, studies using bandages other than KT, participants with injury or musculoskeletal disease, studies in a language other than English, reviews, meta-analyses, letters to the editor, comments, or other non-original formats.

 

Search strategy 

 

    During the process of this systematic review, the databases PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science were used. The terms used for the literature search were: (Kinesio Tape OR Kinesio Taping OR Kinesiology Tape OR Kinesiology Taping) AND (Football OR Soccer) AND (Performance OR Strength OR Balance).

 

    The review process began with the removal of duplicate records, followed by a title and abstract screening to exclude studies not in English and those involving animal subjects. The remaining studies underwent a full-text review, during which those that did not meet the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria were excluded. The final step involved an analysis of the studies that were ultimately included in the systematic review.

 

Data extraction 

 

    The data extraction process for the included studies involved collecting information on the author names and publication year, participant demographics (age, sex, health status), details of the intervention, the assessment tests used to measure the variables, and the specific variables evaluated (balance, power, velocity, flexibility, accuracy, agility). This standardized approach facilitated a thorough and systematic review of the relevant literature.

 

Quality assessment and risk of bias 

 

    Following the guidelines established by the Cochrane Collaboration, the qualitative analysis evaluated the risk of bias in the included randomized controlled trials. This assessment covered seven domains: sequence generation and allocation concealment (selection bias), blinding of participants and personnel (performance bias), blinding of outcome assessment (detection bias), incomplete outcome data (attrition bias), selective outcome reporting (reporting bias), and other potential sources of bias. The risk of bias for each domain was categorized as low, high, or unclear. (Higgins et al., 2019)

 

Results 

 

Study selection 

 

    The initial database search across PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science yielded 123 potentially eligible studies. An additional twelve studies were manually identified. Following the removal of duplicates and title/abstract screening, thirty-four studies were selected for full-text review. Applying the predefined eligibility criteria, the final systematic review included six studies. The study selection process is illustrated in the flow chart presented as Figure 2.

 

Source: Authors

 

Characteristics of studies 

 

    Six studies were selected, which included a total of 172 male participants. All studies employed a randomized design, two were single-blind (Bailey, & Firth, 2017; Espi-Lopez et al., 2020), and one double-blinded (Ingles et al., 2019). Four studies used a crossover approach. (Bailey, & Firth, 2017; Baştürk et al., 2015; de Hoyo et al., 2013; Müller, & Brandes, 2015)

 

    Three studies included fewer than twenty-five participants (Bailey, & Firth, 2017; Baştürk et al., 2015; de Hoyo et al., 2013), three had more than twenty-five participants (Espi-Lopez et al., 2020; Ingles et al., 2019; Müller, & Brandes, 2015). Three studies involved participants younger than 23 years (Baştürk et al., 2015; de Hoyo et al., 2013; Espi-Lopez et al., 2020), three included participants older than 23 years (Bailey, & Firth, 2017; Ingles et al., 2019; Müller, & Brandes, 2015). The studies included professional (Bailey, & Firth, 2017; de Hoyo et al., 2013), amateur (Espi-Lopez et al., 2020; Ingles et al., 2019; Müller, & Brandes, 2015), and collegiate participants. (Baştürk et al., 2015)

 

    Three studies researched KT applications for lower extremity instability, using a correction technique with 50-70% of tape tension (Bailey, & Firth, 2017; Espi-Lopez et al., 2020; Ingles et al., 2019). Five studies investigated KT on performance, applying muscular strengthening/facilitation techniques with 25-35% tape tension (Baştürk et al., 2015; de Hoyo et al., 2013; Espi-Lopez et al., 2020; Ingles et al., 2019; Müller, & Brandes, 2015), accuracy (Baştürk et al., 2015; Müller, & Brandes, 2015), and flexibility. (Espi-Lopez et al., 2020; Ingles et al., 2019)

 

    All studies included one experimental group with KT and had a control group without KT application. Two studies had a group that received a sham (placebo) KT application. (Espi-Lopez et al., 2020; Ingles et al., 2019)

 

Quality assessment and risk of bias 

 

    The scientific quality of the reviewed studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool (Higgins et al., 2019). This tool evaluates the risk of bias in randomized controlled trials across seven domains: sequence generation and allocation concealment (selection bias), blinding of participants and personnel (performance bias), blinding of outcome assessment (detection bias), incomplete outcome data (attrition bias), selective outcome reporting (reporting bias), and other sources of bias. The risk of bias in each domain was classified as low, high, or unclear. Table 2 presents the results of this assessment for the included studies. Additionally, Figure 3 provides a summary of the overall risk of bias across the studies.

 

Source: Authors

 

Source: Authors

 

Results of individual studies 

 

    Bailey, & Firth (2017) investigated the effect of KT on proprioceptive control in 20 professional male soccer players (mean age: 25.2 ± 5.79 years). The participants were randomly divided into two groups: a KT group (KTG, n=20) and a no-KT group (NKTG, n=20).

Balance and fine movement control were assessed using force plates to measure the accuracy of participants' center of pressure (COP) control during postural sway and small foot/ankle movements (up to 10 degrees). The results showed no significant difference in percentage accuracy scores between the KTG and NKTG (mean difference: 4.2%, p>0.05).

 

    Baştürk et al. (2015) investigated KT to the quadriceps and functional performance in college soccer players. This was a crossover study, conducted with 18 male participants, mean 22.6 +/- 1.64 years old. Participants were randomly in two groups (KTG n=18, NKTG n=18). Power was assessed through vertical jump test (VJ), standing broad test (SBT), standing broad test with dominant leg (SBTDL) and triple hop test (THT). Balance was assessed through SBT, SBTDL and THT. Agility was assessed through agility T test. No significant difference was found in VJ (p>0.05), SBT (p>0.05), SBTDL (p>0.05), THT (p>0.05) and agility T test (p>0.05).

 

    The crossover study of de Hoyo et al. (2013) examined the effect of KT to the rectus femoris of the dominant leg on muscle performance in 18 young elite male soccer players (mean age: 18.20 ± 2.45 years). The participants were randomly assigned to either a KT group (KTG, n=18) or a no-KT group (NKTG, n=18). Muscle power was assessed using a half-squat to full knee extension test with two different loads (30 kg and 50 kg).

 

    Additionally, countermovement jumps, and 10-meter sprint tests were used to evaluate power and velocity, respectively. While the results showed increases in power and velocity with KT application, these differences did not reach statistical significance (p>0.05).

 

    Espi-Lopez et al. (2020) made a single-blind, randomized study that examined the effects of KT on the knees, both alone and combined with BE, as a preventive measure in amateur soccer players. The study involved 46 male participants divided into three groups: the KT group (PKTG, n=15) received KT only, the KT + BE group (PKTG+BE, n=16) received KT application and performed BE, and the control group (CG, n=15) received no intervention. The mean ages of the participants were as follows: PKTG+BE group, 21.41 ± 2.16 years; KTG+BE group, 21.76 ± 3.03 years; and the KTG group, 19.79 ± 2.29 years.

 

    Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: PKTG+BE (n=15), KTG+BE (n=17), and KTG (n=14). The KT+BE and PKTG+BE groups both performed a BE circuit: double leg stance (DLS), double leg stance throwing and catching the ball (DLSTC), double leg stance throwing and catching the ball with jump (DLSTCJ), single leg stance (SLS), single leg stance throwing and catching the ball (SLSTC), and single leg stance throwing and catching the ball with jump (SLSTCJ).

 

    Jumping exercises in the KT+BE and PKTG+BE groups were performed using a variety of rehabilitation tools, including Dynair, BOSU stability trainers, mini trampolines, and foam rollers. Dynamic balance was assessed through the Y-Balance Test (YBT), where participants maintained a single-leg stance and reached as far as possible with the contralateral leg. Static balance was evaluated using the Unipedal Stance Test (UST), in which participants stood barefoot on one leg of their choice with their eyes closed. Flexibility was measured using the Toe Touch Test (TTT).

 

    For the TTT, participants stood barefoot on a 25 cm high platform, with their feet together, knees and arms extended and were asked to bend forward and reach for the floor with their fingertips, to assess lumbar flexibility.

 

    In the YBT (right lower extremity), the analysis revealed significant intra-group differences in the KT+BE group at mid-post (p<0.01) and pre-post intervention (p<0.001), as well as in the PKT+BE group at post intervention (p<0.001). The inter-group analysis showed significant differences between both the KT+BE and PKT+BE groups, compared to the KT-only group (p<0.001), although there were no significant differences between the KT+BE and PKT+BE groups (p>0.05). In the YBT (left lower extremity), the analysis showed intra-group differences in the KT+BE group at mid-post (p<0.05) and pre-post (p<0.001), as well as in the PKT+BE group at mid-post intervention (p<0.001). The inter-group analysis revealed significant differences between the KT+BE and PKT+BE groups, compared to the KT-only group (p<0.001), but there were no significant differences between the KT+BE and PKT+BE groups (p>0.05).

 

    The KT-only group showed no significant changes, left or right (p>0.05). In the UST, the KT+BE group revealed significant intra-group differences, pre-post (p<0.05), and the PKT+BE group showed significant intra-group differences at mid-post (p<0.01). However, the inter-group analysis did not reveal any significant differences (p>0.05). In TTT, no significant differences were found (p>0.05).

 

    Ingles et al. (2019) investigated the effects of applying KT to the ankles, KT only or combined with BE on functional outcomes in amateur soccer players. BE circuit included: DLS, DLSTC, DLSTCJ, SLS, SLSTC, and SLSTCJ.

 

    The jumping exercises were performed using various rehabilitation tools, such as Dynair, BOSU balance trainer, mini trampoline, and foam roller. The study was a double-blind, randomized trial conducted with 44 male participants, with a mean age of 24.45 ± 4.79 years. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the three groups: KT+BE (n=16), PKT+BE (n=15), or KT-only (n=13).

 

    Balance was assessed through the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), which evaluates dynamic balance. The goal of this test is to maintain a single-leg stance while reaching as far as possible with the contralateral leg. Additionally, the UST was used to assess static balance, where subjects were asked to close their eyes and stand barefoot on the limb of their choice. Flexibility was assessed through the TTT, where subjects stood on a box with their feet together and tried to touch the tips of their toes by bending forward from the hips.

 

    For the SEBT (left and right), intra-group analysis revealed significant differences in the KT+BE group between mid-post (p<0.01) and pre-post (p<0.001) time points, as well as in the PKT+BE group post-intervention (p<0.001). The inter-group analysis showed significant differences between both the KT+BE and PKT+BE groups compared to the KT-only group (p<0.001), but no differences between the KT+BE and PKT+BE groups were found (p>0.05).

 

    In the UST (left and right), intra-group analysis showed significant differences in the PKT+BE group between mid-post and pre-post (p<0.01) time points, and in the KT+BE group pre-post (p<0.05). However, the inter-group analysis did not reveal any significant differences (p>0.05). Regarding the TTT, the analysis did not reveal any significant differences (p>0.05).

 

    Müller, & Brandes (2015) investigated the application of KT to the quadriceps, tibialis anterior and iliopsoas muscles and if that affects the performance in amateur soccer players. The study was a crossover, carried out with 58 participants, 26 of them, soccer players, all men, mean 23.9 +/- 5.6 years old. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups (KTG n=26, NKTG n=26). Velocity was assessed through soccer goal shooting test, the kicking task is in accordance with a goal shot during the game, and the experimental set-up consisted of goal shots from 8 meters distance and a run-up of 2 meters, using straight approach. Accuracy was assessed measuring the effectiveness of reaching the target (A red square, 30 x 30 cm, fixed in the middle of large mat, 3 x 2 meters, placed in a handball goal). The ball velocity (Km/h) was determined by means of a radar device, and accuracy analysis was recorded using a video camera. KT application induced a significant increase in ball velocity of 1.4 Km/h (p<0.05) and accuracy improvement by an average decrease of 6.9 +/- 1.6 cm distance from the target (p<0.05).

 

A: Anterior, AL: Anterolateral, AM: Anteromedial, BE: Balance exercises. DLS: Double standing leg. DLSTC: Double leg standing throwing and catching. DLSTCJ: Double leg standing throwing and catching with jump. HJ: Horizontal jump. HJSL: Horizontal jump single leg. KT: Kinesio tape. KTG: Kinesio tape group, L: lateral, NKTG: No Kinesio tape group. P: Posterior, PL: Posterolateral. PM: Posteromedial. PKT: Placebo Kinesio tape. PKTG: Placebo Kinesio tape group. SEBT: Star excursion balance test. SLS: Single standing leg. SLSTC: Single leg standing throwing and catching. SLSTCJ: Single leg standing throwing and catching with jump. THT: Triple hop test. TTT: Toe touch test. UST: Unipedal stance test. VJ: Vertical jump. YBT: Y balance test. Source: Authors

 

Discussion 

 

Effects of Kinesio Taping on balance 

 

    In sports, maintaining balance is particularly important, as a lack of balance puts the athlete at a greater risk of injury (Biz et al., 2022; Qi et al., 2022). KT has been used in an attempt to improve balance in soccer players with local peroneal fatigue (Farquharson, & Greig, 2017). However, two out of the four studies that researched the effects of KT on balance did not find positive results (Bailey, & Firth, 2017; Baştürk et al., 2015).

 

    The other two studies on KT and balance showed positive findings, specifically in the inter-group and intra-group analyses of the SEBT and YBT (Espi-Lopez et al., 2020; Ingles et al., 2019). Despite these promising results, the overall scientific evidence is currently insufficient to definitively assert the effect of using KT or not using KT on balance in soccer players.

 

Effects of Kinesio Taping on power 

 

    It is believed that KT can help generate more powerful muscle contractions (dos Santos Gloria et al., 2017). Jumping in sports requires power (Reina et al., 2021). The existing literature on the use of KT to improve power performance is inconclusive. Some studies have reported significant positive effects of KT application on horizontal jump performance in professional soccer players between 15 and 20 years old (dos Santos Gloria et al., 2017). However, other studies have shown negative effects of KT on vertical jump performance in elite athletes from different sports (Lau, & Cheng, 2019).

 

    The included studies that examined the impact of KT on power-related measures did not find significant differences in the test results (Baştürk et al., 2015; de Hoyo et al., 2013). One study did report increases in power, but these differences did not reach statistical significance. (de Hoyo et al., 2013)

 

    Overall, the current scientific evidence is not clear on the effectiveness of KT application in improving power-related performance indicators in athletes. More robust and consistent research is needed to draw definitive conclusions about the potential benefits or drawbacks of using KT to enhance power-based athletic abilities.

 

Effects of Kinesio Taping on velocity 

 

    Maximizing the hip flexor and knee extensor muscles seems to be determinant in how to increase ball velocity in soccer (Fereydounnia et al., 2019; Hanayoğlu et al., 2023; Sasadai et al., 2015). Some studies have found that KT improves strength of the hip and ankle muscles which could increase ball velocity in soccer (Fereydounnia et al., 2019; Sasadai et al., 2015). Müller, & Brandes (2015) found significant differences in the KT group.

 

    A study analyzed the 10-meters sprint test to evaluate the maximal velocity of soccer players. No significant differences were found between KTG and NKTG. (de Hoyo et al., 2013)

 

    Based on the results of the studies presented, and considering the limited research available on this topic, it cannot be definitively concluded whether the use of KT is or is not effective in improving velocity as a performance indicator. The existing evidence is inconclusive, and more research is needed.

 

Effects of Kinesio Taping on flexibility 

 

    Two studies examined the effect of KT application on flexibility as a performance indicator. The results showed no significant differences in any of the groups (Espi-Lopez et al., 2020; Ingles et al., 2019). The existing scientific evidence is poor and does not clearly define whether KT is effective or ineffective in improving flexibility.

 

Effects of Kinesio Taping on accuracy 

 

    Out of the six studies included in the review, only Müller, & Brandes (2015) investigated accuracy as a performance indicator in soccer. The authors reported significant findings, indicating that the KTG performed better in terms of ball accuracy when the target was closer, compared to the No-KT group. While the study was rated as having high methodological quality, the overall scientific evidence regarding the use of KT to improve accuracy is limited.

 

Effects of Kinesio Taping on agility 

 

    Only Baştürk et al. (2015) addressed the use of KT and its effects in agility, however, positive results were not found. Therefore, the results showed KT does not improve agility in soccer players.

 

Limitations 

 

    Four limitations need to be considered. One limitation was that all included studies used only men in their sample size. Another limitation was that, out of the six included studies, only one was double blind (Ingles et al., 2019) which may lead to risks of bias. The sample size could be another limitation since half of the studies included no more than twenty-five participants (Bailey and Firth, 2017; Baştürk et al., 2015; de Hoyo et al., 2013) so, statistical power was limited. The search in the databases was another limitation because “Kinesio taping” is not a MeSH term.

 

Conclusion 

 

    The analysis revealed mixed findings regarding the effectiveness of kinesiology taping (KT) on the physical performance of healthy soccer players. Half of the studies included reported positive outcomes with the KT application, while the other half indicated no significant differences compared to placebo or no-KT groups. These inconsistent results suggest that while KT may have potential benefits, the current evidence is insufficient to draw definitive conclusions. To enhance our understanding, larger and more rigorously designed studies are needed to clarify the true effects of KT on sport performance indicators in soccer players. Ultimately, establishing a clearer understanding of KT's role could inform training and rehabilitation practices in soccer.

 

References 

 

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Azimi, A., Dizaji, S.R., Tabatabaei, F.S., Safari, S., Nakhaei Amroodi, M., & Azimi, A.F. (2024). Effect of postoperative Kinesio taping on knee edema, pain, and range of motion after total knee arthroplasty and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. JBJS Reviews, 12(3), e23.00221. https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.RVW.23.00221

 

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Lecturas: Educación Física y Deportes, Vol. 29, Núm. 318, Nov. (2024)