Nkuna FS1, Cochrane ME1, Tshabalala MD1
1Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Physiotherapy, Pretoria, South Africa
Background: Obtaining optimal muscle activation during participation in soccer allows players to not only perform better, but also aids in injury prevention. Various exercise- and rehabilitation protocols to enhance muscle activation exists, but none of the current protocols focusses on the application of Kinesiotape on the stabliser muscles of the lower limbs.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the immediate effect of Kinesiotape application on the stabiliser muscles of the lower limb on running speed, agility and plyometric performance in University soccer players.
Methods: A one group pre-test-post-test quasi experimental design was used. 33 University-level soccer players who provided informed consent and who were between the ages of 18 and 30 years old; male; and who had not undergone lower limb surgery were included in the study. Pre-testing was done using the vertical jump test; Modified Illinois change of direction test (MICOD)and a timed 50 meter sprint. The application of the Kinesiotape was done one week after the pre-test, to minimize the effect of motor learning and to avoid the effects of fatigue associated with immediate post-testing. During the one week period all participants underwent the same training regime. After the one week period, the participants´ gluteus medius, vastus medialis and popliteus muscles were strapped with Kinesiotape. The Y-strip and I-strip methods of strapping were used, as these methods have been shown to facilitate muscle activation. After the application of the strapping the participants were tested with the vertical jump test, MICOD, and timed 50 meter sprint. Results were obtained by determining the difference in performance between the pre- and post-tests.
Results: Pre- and post-test analysis was done with the paired student's t-test. Statistically significant improvement was observed for running speed (p=0.000, SD: 0.685); agility (p=0.000; SD: 2.312) and plyometrics (p=0.000; SD: 2.451).
Conclusion(s): The application of Kinesiotape on the stabilser muscles of the lower limbs is an effective manner of improving running speed; agility and plyometrics in soccer players immediately after application.
Implications: University-level soccer players who want to achieve an immediate improvement in running speed, agility and plyometric performance can apply Kinesiotape to the stabiliser muscles of the lower limbs. The long term or sustained effects of the Kinesiotape on performance during soccer matches warrants further testing.
Keywords: Kinesiotape, muscle activation, soccer
Funding acknowledgements: No funding was obtained for this study
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the immediate effect of Kinesiotape application on the stabiliser muscles of the lower limb on running speed, agility and plyometric performance in University soccer players.
Methods: A one group pre-test-post-test quasi experimental design was used. 33 University-level soccer players who provided informed consent and who were between the ages of 18 and 30 years old; male; and who had not undergone lower limb surgery were included in the study. Pre-testing was done using the vertical jump test; Modified Illinois change of direction test (MICOD)and a timed 50 meter sprint. The application of the Kinesiotape was done one week after the pre-test, to minimize the effect of motor learning and to avoid the effects of fatigue associated with immediate post-testing. During the one week period all participants underwent the same training regime. After the one week period, the participants´ gluteus medius, vastus medialis and popliteus muscles were strapped with Kinesiotape. The Y-strip and I-strip methods of strapping were used, as these methods have been shown to facilitate muscle activation. After the application of the strapping the participants were tested with the vertical jump test, MICOD, and timed 50 meter sprint. Results were obtained by determining the difference in performance between the pre- and post-tests.
Results: Pre- and post-test analysis was done with the paired student's t-test. Statistically significant improvement was observed for running speed (p=0.000, SD: 0.685); agility (p=0.000; SD: 2.312) and plyometrics (p=0.000; SD: 2.451).
Conclusion(s): The application of Kinesiotape on the stabilser muscles of the lower limbs is an effective manner of improving running speed; agility and plyometrics in soccer players immediately after application.
Implications: University-level soccer players who want to achieve an immediate improvement in running speed, agility and plyometric performance can apply Kinesiotape to the stabiliser muscles of the lower limbs. The long term or sustained effects of the Kinesiotape on performance during soccer matches warrants further testing.
Keywords: Kinesiotape, muscle activation, soccer
Funding acknowledgements: No funding was obtained for this study
Topic: Sport & sports injuries; Musculoskeletal: lower limb
Ethics approval required: Yes
Institution: Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Ethics committee: Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Ethics Committee
Ethics number: SMUREC/H/304/2017 PG
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
