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.