Acute Effects of Kinesiology Taping on Performance in Volleyball Players

NCT07425223 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: karanki5
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 24
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

Brief Summary

Kinesiological tape is frequently used to provide support for injured muscles and joints, enhance fascial function, inhibit pain-inducing stimuli, and improve blood and lymph circulation. However, there is no consensus among researchers and practitioners regarding kinesiological taping, particularly its application to improve athletic performance. This study aimed to investigate the acute changes in functional performance of volleyball players who underwent kinesiological taping. Designed as a randomized controlled experimental study, it planned to include 24 licensed female volleyball players from Anadolu Marmara Sports Schools. Players meeting the inclusion criteria were randomized into kinesiological tape (n:12) and sham (dummy-ineffective) tape (n:12) groups. The assessment will consist of a general warm-up program followed by the single-arm hop test for upper extremity strength, speed, and stability; the closed kinetic chain upper extremity endurance test for strength and endurance; and the medicine ball throw test for functional strength. Following the initial assessment, tests will be repeated immediately after facilitative taping of the pectoralis major and anterior deltoid muscles of the athletes. SPSS 24 statistical program will be used for data analysis. Continuous variables will be presented as mean ± standard deviation, and qualitative variables as number and percentage (%). If the assumptions for parametric tests are met, the Independent Samples t-test will be used for comparing independent groups, and the Paired Samples t-test will be used for comparing dependent groups. If the assumptions for parametric tests are not met, the Mann-Whitney U test will be used for comparing independent groups, and the Wilcoxon test will be used for comparing dependent groups. Statistical significance will be accepted at p≤0.05. This study is expected to contribute to performance-enhancing practices in volleyball players by providing evidence-based data on the application method and effectiveness of kinesiological taping for functional performance.

Conditions

Volleyball; Kinesiology Taping; Functional Performance

Keywords

volleyball; kinesiology taping; performance; endurance; speed

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Single-arm hop test

  This is a valid measurement method used to test the strength, speed, and stability of the upper extremity. The person being tested stands in a single-arm push-up position next to a step board and, upon receiving the "start" command, jumps onto the step board using only one arm and lands again. The time taken for five repetitions is measured. A shorter time indicates improved performance.

  Baseline and immediately after taping application (within 5 minutes)

• Closed kinetic chain upper extremity endurance test

  This is a valid test used to measure the strength and endurance of the upper extremity. Two pieces of colored tape are attached to the ground 90 centimeters apart. The athlete being tested waits in a push-up position symmetrically between the tapes. Upon the command to start, they raise their hand and touch the tape on the other side, then repeat on the other side. They are instructed to repeat this for 15 seconds without changing body alignment and parallelism to the ground, and the number of repetitions in 15 seconds is recorded.

  Baseline and immediately after taping application (within 5 minutes)

• Medicine Ball Throw Test

  Used to evaluate athletes' muscle strength and throwing technique. It also measures coordination, balance, and speed. Athletes stand one step behind a designated line, facing the direction of the throw. A medicine ball (3 kg) is held in both hands behind the head. This position requires the player to use their upper body strength. Participants are instructed to throw the ball as far forward as possible, placing their front foot behind the line. Each throw is recorded by a measurement taken at the point where the ball lands. The measurement is taken from the point where the medicine ball lands to the nearest marked point. The athlete's greatest throw distance is used for analysis.

  Baseline and immediately after taping application (within 5 minutes)

Study Arms (2)

Kinesio Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Kinesiological taping will be applied to the participants in the group using the "muscle facilitation technique," a method aimed at facilitating muscle movement. In this technique, the muscle to be treated is brought into a tense position. For facilitation, the tape should be directed from the origin to the insertion direction and applied in the direction of movement. Considering the stretchability of the tape, it will be applied with minimal tension (20-30%), and the end point of the tape will be rounded to prevent peeling of the edges and to increase the length of the tape application. At the end of the application, the tape will be warmed by external friction to ensure complete adhesion to the skin.

Other: Kinesiology Taping

Sham Group

SHAM COMPARATOR

The participants in the group were scheduled to undergo a sham procedure, described as a fake and ineffective application. In this procedure, a KT (tape tape) cut to the same dimensions would be applied ineffectively without any tension or orientation, and the athletes would be blinded to this information.

Other: Sham Taping

Interventions

Kinesiology Taping OTHER

This involves applying kinesiological tape to the pectoralis major and anterior deltoid muscles using facilitation techniques.

Kinesio Group

Sham Taping OTHER

Sham taping applied to pectoralis major and anterior deltoid muscles (non-therapeutic application) to mimic taping without intended physiological effect.

Sham Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 13 Years - 19 Years
• Gender Eligibility Details: Only female licensed volleyball players aged 13-19 years are included to ensure population homogeneity and reduce variability related to sex-specific physiological and hormonal differences that may influence performance outcomes.
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Being between 13-19 years of age.
• Being within the full range of active glenohumeral elevation.
• Both the participant and the parent must be volunteers.
• Being a licensed volleyball player for at least one year. - Participants must be female.
• Having previously undergone kinesiological taping and not having developed sensitivity.

You may not qualify if:

• Participant's unwillingness to participate in the study
• Having an acute or active injury to the shoulder complex within the last 6 months
• Individuals with a history of sensitivity to kinesiological tape
• Presence of a severe cardiopulmonary, orthopedic, or neurological disease
• Presence of physical discomforts such as severe dizziness

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Halic University: lead

Study Officials

• İrem Çetinkaya, PhD

  Haliç University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Merve Tarhan

CONTACT

21347770095@ogr.halic.edu.tr

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor

Model Details: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: February 13, 2026
• First Posted: February 20, 2026
• Study Start: February 20, 2026
• Primary Completion: March 10, 2026
• Study Completion: April 20, 2026
• Last Updated: February 20, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-02

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share