EFFECTS OF KINESIO-TAPING ON PERFORMANCE WITH RESPECT TO FATIGUE IN RUGBY PLAYERS: A PILOT STUDY

Abstract

Kinesio-taping has become popular in athletes aiming to improve their performance, as it might influence muscle strength and blood circulation. Due to these aspects kinesio-taping could also affect muscle fatigue and relative power production. Therefore, the aim of this pilot study was to identify the effect of kinesio-taping on performance outcome and relative power contribution of the hip, knee and ankle joint in rested and fatigued situation. 4 university rugby players performed 20m-sprints and vertical jumping tasks (CMJ, DJ) in kinesio taped and untaped condition before and after a rugby specific fatigue protocol. Kinesio-tape improved performance for the 20m-sprint in rested situation. It seemed to change the relative hip, knee and ankle joint power contribution pattern in rested (DJ) and fatigued (CMJ, DJ) situation, which could influence injury risks.