The Effect of Kinesio Taping Applied to Quadriceps and Gastrocnemius Muscles on Speed, Agility and Flexibility: A Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the effect of kinesio tape (KT) applied to different parts of the body on speed, agility and flexibility. METHOD: 32 male volunteers aged 18-38 years participated in the study. KT was applied to the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles of the athletes at 4 different times with intervals of one week. As measurements, 30-meter sprint test, agility T test and sit and reach test for flexibility were performed. Independent samples T-Test and Mann Whitney U test, repeated measures analysis of variance and the Friedman test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the speed, agility and flexibility values of KT applied to quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles (p>0.05). It was found that there was an increase in agility performance in both muscle groups in the 48(th) hour measurements after the KT application, it increased speed performance only in gastrocnemius muscle (p<0.05) and did not increase flexibility performance in both muscle groups. There was no statistically significant improvement in the 30(th) minute and 24(th) hour measurements (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: It can be suggested that applying KT to quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles with 25-50% tension for 48 hours is effective in improving the agility performance.