The effects of 8 weeks of Kinesio taping during the training period in muscle strength and flexibilty in 15-19 year-old women volleyball players

Knee joint is a frequently used joint in volleyball players and its injuries are commonly seen. So its strenght, flexibility and other anatomical and morphological characteristics have to be kept in optimal levels. The M. Quadriceps is the most important muscle of the joint, providing stabilization. Kinesio® Taping is one of the latest and worldwide popular methods of elastical taping. The aim of the study is understanding the strength development of M. Quadriceps muscle considered by Kinesio® Taping during the training and match processus of 8 weeks than the non-taped muscle.In this study 25 ellite women players of Gazi University Sports Club volunteered to pass through the fleksibility and strength tests in basicly two groups as Kinesio® Taped or non-taped subjects. The measurments are planned in three steps as before taping, 45 minutes after taping and after 8 weeks of training and match proccessus. Strength measurements were taken by the Isomed 2000 isokinetic measurement machine and flexibility assessment was taken by the Sit& Reach protocol.This study was accepted and suppoted by the KTAI and the Kinesio® Tape used in this study was also sent by KTAI. All volleyball players older than 18 were asked for the written ethical approwal. The athletes younger than 18 were asked the written approwal by their families.The baseline characteristics showed no statistically difference (p>0.05). The comparison of strength and flexibility of the first and 8 weeks taped muscles are made by MANOVA repeated measures statistical assessment and non of the outcomes were statistically different (p>0.05). The comparison between the beginning measurements with the accute effects of Kinesio® Taping and the accute effects with the long time effects of Kinesio® Taping were made by Paired-T Test and there was no statistical difference in both assessments (p>0.005).These results of our study doesn?t support the preceding findings of other investigators explaining the injured mucsle?s bioelectrical activites were supported and provided more strength by Kinesio® Taping in healty athletes. The reason of the results of our study may be the Kinesio® Taping is not providing enough tactile stimulus to effect the M. Quadriceps muscle strength in healty athletes or the technique suggested for this muscle?s facilitation is not successful enough.Keywords: Kinesio® Taping, M. Quadriceps Femoris Strength, Volleyball.