Acute Effects of Shoulder Dynamic Taping in Competitive Volleyball Players

Fifteen competitive volleyball players were assigned to the Dynamic Tape group. Dynamic Tape was applied to the dominant shoulder using a spiral technique designed to provide mechanical support to the shoulder complex. Serve velocity, isometric shoulder internal and external rotation strength, and functional throwing performance were assessed under taped and untaped conditions. Assessments in the taped condition were performed 45 minutes after tape application.

Dynamic Tape was applied to the dominant shoulder with the glenohumeral joint internally rotated and the hand resting on the ipsilateral hip. The tape was anchored to the distal lateral humerus and applied proximally in a spiral pattern at approximately 45°, passing posterior to the glenohumeral joint. It was then directed anteriorly across the shoulder onto the chest to provide mechanical support. The initial and final 3-4 cm of the tape were applied without tension.

• Dynamic Tape (DT)

Fifteen competitive volleyball players were assigned to the sham taping group. Dynamic Tape was applied without tension as a straight I-strip along the lateral aspect of the dominant upper arm, with the shoulder in a neutral position. This application was intended to provide cutaneous stimulation without the directional mechanical support of the active taping technique. Participants were assessed under both taped and untaped conditions, with the taped assessment performed 45 minutes after application.

Dynamic Tape was applied without tension as a straight I-strip extending distally from the shoulder joint along the lateral upper arm, with the shoulder maintained in a neutral position. The sham technique was intended to preserve cutaneous stimulation while minimizing the mechanical support associated with the active taping technique.

• Sham taping (ST)

Serve velocity was measured using a handheld radar gun (Bushnell Speed Radar Gun, Model 101911). Participants performed three successful maximal-effort serves under both taped and untaped conditions. The mean velocity of the three successful serves was calculated for each condition. Serve velocity was recorded in kilometers per hour (km/h).

Isometric shoulder internal rotation strength was measured on the dominant arm using a MicroFET2 handheld dynamometer. Participants were positioned prone with the shoulder abducted to 90° and elbow flexed to 90°. Three maximal isometric contractions were performed using the break-test method, with 1-minute rest intervals. The mean peak force of the three trials was recorded in kilograms-force (kgf). Higher values indicate greater muscle strength.

Isometric shoulder external rotation strength was measured on the dominant arm using a MicroFET2 handheld dynamometer. Participants were positioned prone with the shoulder abducted to 90° and elbow flexed to 90°. Three maximal isometric contractions were performed using the break-test method, with 1-minute rest intervals. The mean peak force of the three trials was recorded in kilograms-force (kgf). Higher values indicate greater muscle strength.

Functional throwing performance was assessed using the Functional Throwing Performance Index (FTPI). Participants repeatedly threw a ball at a 30 × 30 cm target positioned 120 cm above the floor from a distance of 4.5 m for 30 seconds. FTPI was calculated as the percentage of successful throws relative to the total number of throws. Three trials were performed with 1-minute rest intervals, and the mean FTPI percentage was used for analysis. Higher scores indicate greater throwing accuracy.

Athlete satisfaction with the assigned taping intervention was assessed once after completion of all performance assessments. Participants rated their overall satisfaction specifically with the taped condition using a study-specific, single-item, 11-point numerical rating scale ranging from 0 (not satisfied at all) to 10 (completely satisfied). Higher scores indicate greater satisfaction with the taping intervention.