NCT07438431

Brief Summary

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is the pain, stiffness, and discomfort that usually appear 24-72 hours after doing an unusual or intense physical activity. Previous studies have shown that both Kinesio taping and the Graston technique can help reduce this type of muscle soreness. However, it is not clear which method is more effective, and their effects on muscle oxygen levels, muscle strength during functional tasks, and reaction time have not been compared directly. The aim of this study was to compare these two treatment methods in people who developed DOMS. A total of 30 healthy participants took part in the study. One group received Kinesio taping, the second group received the Graston technique, and the third group did not receive any treatment and was left to recover naturally. Muscle oxygen levels, functional muscle strength, and reaction times were measured before exercise and again 48 hours later, and the results were compared.

Trial Health

87
On Track

Trial Health Score

Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach

Enrollment
20

participants targeted

Target at below P25 for not_applicable

Timeline
Completed

Started Jun 2024

Geographic Reach
1 country

1 active site

Status
completed

Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.

Trial Relationships

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Study Timeline

Key milestones and dates

Study Start

First participant enrolled

June 1, 2024

Completed
1 year until next milestone

Primary Completion

Last participant's last visit for primary outcome

June 1, 2025

Completed
Same day until next milestone

Study Completion

Last participant's last visit for all outcomes

June 1, 2025

Completed
9 months until next milestone

First Submitted

Initial submission to the registry

February 18, 2026

Completed
9 days until next milestone

First Posted

Study publicly available on registry

February 27, 2026

Completed
Last Updated

March 2, 2026

Status Verified

February 1, 2026

Enrollment Period

1 year

First QC Date

February 18, 2026

Last Update Submit

February 27, 2026

Conditions

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)

Keywords

physiotherapykinesio tapinggraston technique

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

  • Muscle Oxygenation

    Muscle oxygenation was measured using the FYER near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) device manufactured by Train.Red. The FYER device is a stable system capable of accurately measuring changes in total tissue hemoglobin and tissue oxygenation, and its validity and reliability have been previously established. The device was secured over the muscle using the strap provided in the package and fixed onto the target muscle of the limb. Muscle oxygenation of the quadriceps femoris was recorded during the squat exercise.

    48 hours

  • Reaction Time

    Lower extremity reaction time was measured using the BlazePod Trainer device (Play Coyotta Ltd., Tel Aviv, Israel). The BlazePod is a system designed to assess dynamic reaction time. After a waiting period, the device emits a light stimulus and the timer starts. When the participant touches the device with a body part, the light turns off and the timer stops. The elapsed time provides a quantitative measure of reaction time. The device has been shown to be a valid and reliable tool for reaction time assessment.

    48 hours

Secondary Outcomes (3)

  • Visual Analog Scale

    48 hours

  • Assessment of Functional Muscle Strength

    48 hours

  • Assessment of Edema

    48 hours

Study Arms (3)

Kinesio Taping

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

The group of individuals who will undergo kinesio taping application.

Other: kinesio taping

Graston Technique

EXPERIMENTAL

The group of individuals who will undergo Graston technique application.

Other: Graston Techinique

Control

NO INTERVENTION

spontaneous recovery process

Interventions

kinesio tapingOTHER

In this study, the lymphatic application technique of Kinesio taping was used. Two Kinesio tapes, each 5 cm in width, were applied over the quadriceps femoris muscle. After measuring the length over the muscle, the tape was cut to the appropriate size and shaped for lymphatic application. The central portion of the tape and five longitudinal strips extending from this part were created. The central portion was applied without tension, while the strips were applied to the skin with approximately 15% tension. The ends of the strips were again applied without tension. The five strips were arranged in a fan-cut (octopus-like) configuration. The application was performed while the participant was lying in the supine position with the muscle in a relaxed state. The central part of the tape was placed near the inguinal lymph nodes.

Kinesio Taping
Graston TechiniqueOTHER

The Graston massage technique is a form of manual therapy performed with stainless steel instruments and a lubricating oil instead of using the hands. For the application, a smooth metal planor head was used. The participant lay in the supine position, and baby oil was applied to the quadriceps femoris muscle. The convex side of the Graston instrument was then applied sequentially to the vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, and vastus medialis muscles, for 2 minutes on each muscle, moving from the cranial to the caudal direction, for a total of 6 minutes. The massage was performed twice: immediately after exercise and again on the following day.

Graston Technique

Eligibility Criteria

Age18 Years - 35 Years
Sexall
Healthy VolunteersYes
Age GroupsAdult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

  • Being between 18 and 30 years of age
  • Being classified as inactive according to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire
  • Having a body mass index below 25

You may not qualify if:

  • Presence of a chronic disease
  • History of lower extremity orthopedic disorders or surgery
  • Current lower extremity muscle pain
  • History of lower extremity trauma within the last month
  • Use of medications that may affect the musculoskeletal system (e.g., muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory drugs)
  • Caffeine consumption within 24 hours before exercise
  • Participation in another exercise or intense physical activity within 24 hours before the test
  • Use of performance-enhancing supplements

Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.

Sponsors & Collaborators

Study Sites (1)

Gazi University

Ankara, Please Select, 06490, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Related Publications (4)

  • Heiss R, Lutter C, Freiwald J, Hoppe MW, Grim C, Poettgen K, Forst R, Bloch W, Huttel M, Hotfiel T. Advances in Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) - Part II: Treatment and Prevention. Sportverletz Sportschaden. 2019 Mar;33(1):21-29. doi: 10.1055/a-0810-3516. Epub 2019 Mar 13.

    PMID: 30865998RESULT

  • Stanek J, Sullivan T, Davis S. Comparison of Compressive Myofascial Release and the Graston Technique for Improving Ankle-Dorsiflexion Range of Motion. J Athl Train. 2018 Feb;53(2):160-167. doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-386-16. Epub 2018 Jan 26.

    PMID: 29373060RESULT

  • Song W, Yang Y. Effect of Kinesio taping on delayed-onset muscle soreness in elite athletes. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2022 May;62(5):667-672. doi: 10.23736/S0022-4707.21.12280-7. Epub 2021 Mar 26.

    PMID: 33768777RESULT

  • Camacho MA, Herrera E, Barela JA, Delgado-Diaz DC. Kinesiotaping Diminishes Delayed Muscle Soreness but does not Improve Muscular Performance. Int J Sports Med. 2020 Aug;41(9):596-602. doi: 10.1055/a-1088-5223. Epub 2020 May 12.

    PMID: 32396966RESULT

Study Design

Study Type
interventional
Phase
not applicable
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
SINGLE
Who Masked
OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
Purpose
TREATMENT
Intervention Model
PARALLEL
Sponsor Type
OTHER
Responsible Party
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
PI Title
Principal İnvestigator

Study Record Dates

First Submitted

February 18, 2026

First Posted

February 27, 2026

Study Start

June 1, 2024

Primary Completion

June 1, 2025

Study Completion

June 1, 2025

Last Updated

March 2, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-02

Locations

TU(1)