Effect of Kinesiology Tape on Quadriceps Strength and Performance in Female Futsal Players

Impact of Kinesiology Tape on Quadriceps Muscle: a Randomized Controlled Trial

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to investigate whether kinesiology tape improves quadriceps muscle efficiency in female futsal players. The study aims to answer whether the application of kinesiology tape enhances lower limb function, isometric strength, and eccentric/concentric strength compared to no intervention.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Rehabilitation; Muscle Strength; Quadriceps Muscle
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: Kinesiology Tape Application

Detailed Description

This study explores the potential benefits of kinesiology tape in improving quadriceps muscle performance in female futsal players, a demographic actively engaged in high-intensity sports. The trial was designed to provide robust evidence on whether kinesiology tape can enhance functional and physical performance of the lower limb, addressing a gap in sports medicine research.

The study involved 12 players participating in the Saudi Universities Sports Federation (SUSF) Futsal Championship. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group receiving kinesiology tape intervention and a control group with no intervention. The intervention was conducted over 30 days, with a focus on assessing the impact of kinesiology tape on the dominant leg, targeting key muscles like the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, and vastus lateralis.

To ensure comprehensive evaluation, participants underwent assessments using validated tools for lower limb function, isometric strength, and dynamic strength (eccentric/concentric). These tools included the Single-Leg Hop Test, a hand-held dynamometer, and the Biodex System, which provided precise and reliable measurements of muscle performance.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 12
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Saudi Arabia
  • Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 11362
    • King Saud University

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Child; Adult; Older Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female futsal players
• Body Mass Index (BMI): 18.5-25 kg/m2.
• Regular participation in sports activities.
• No history of kinesiology tape application on the thighs within six months prior to the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Medical history of knee or back pain, lower-limb surgeries, or joint deformities.
• Known allergies to kinesiology tape or conditions such as diabetes, fragile skin, pregnancy, open wounds, or deep vein thrombosis.
• Recent muscular injuries of the lower limbs within six months prior to the study.
• Any other conditions or contraindications that could interfere with participation or the outcomes of the study.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Supportive Care
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: None (Open Label)

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Experimental Arm: Kinesiology Tape Intervention; Description: Participants in this arm received kinesiology tape applied to the dominant leg targeting the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, and vastus lateralis muscles. The tape was applied with a 50% tension level and remained in place for 30 days. Assessments of quadriceps strength and lower limb function were conducted pre- and post-intervention. Purpose: To evaluate the effect of kinesiology tape on quadriceps muscle performance.	Other: Kinesiology Tape Application; Application Area: Applied specifically to the dominant leg, targeting the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, and vastus lateralis muscles. Tension Level: Applied with a standardized 50% tension. Duration: The tape was kept in place continuously for 30 days. Color: A blue-colored kinesiology tape was used to standardize the intervention and eliminate potential psychological effects of tape color. Technique: Applied by a licensed physical therapist with expertise in kinesiology taping techniques, certified by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties.
No Intervention: Control Arm: No Intervention; Description: Participants in this arm did not receive any kinesiology tape or similar interventions. Their quadriceps strength and lower limb function were assessed at the same intervals as the experimental group for comparison purposes. Purpose: To serve as a baseline to compare the effects of the kinesiology tape intervention.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Effect of Kinesiology Tape on Quadriceps Muscle Strength and Performance in Female Futsal Players	Isometric Quadriceps Strength: Unit of Measure: Newtons (N). Description: Maximum isometric quadriceps strength of the dominant leg. Assessment Method: Measured using a digital hand-held dynamometer. Participants are seated with their hips flexed at 90° and knees bent at 60°. Maximum force is recorded from three trials of isometric contraction, each lasting five seconds, with a 30-second rest interval between trials.	From baseline assessment (pre-intervention) to 30 days post-intervention.

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: King Saud University

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): January 15, 2023
• Primary Completion (Actual): September 30, 2023
• Study Completion (Actual): September 30, 2023

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: January 22, 2025
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: January 29, 2025
• First Posted (Actual): March 25, 2025

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): March 25, 2025
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: January 29, 2025
• Last Verified: January 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Rehabilitation; Muscle Efficiency; Kinesiology Tape
• Other Study ID Numbers: No. KSU-HE-23-091

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO
• IPD Plan Description: De-identified individual participant data will not be shared due to privacy concerns and the study protocol not including provisions for data sharing.

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No
• product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.: No