The acute effects of kinesio taping applied to the gastrocnemius muscle on selected motoric characteristics in judo athletes

In this study, the acute effect of Kinesio taping applied to the gastrocnemius muscle on agility, flexibility, speed, postural control (balance), and anaerobic power in judo athletes was investigated. The research was conducted with the participation of 8 male judo athletes, with an average age of 22.500 ± 2.878 years. Subjects underwent measurements with and without Kinesio taping, and the order of measurements was randomized. On the first day, one group received Kinesio taping and performance tests were conducted, while the other group underwent tests first. This process was reversed on the second day. Kinesio taping was applied to the gastrocnemius muscle using two strips of tape. Tests were performed approximately 30 minutes after taping application. There was sufficient rest between measurements, and measurements on the second day were taken 48 hours later. Throughout the study, subjects' agility, flexibility, speed, and postural control performances were measured. T-tests were used for agility testing, postural control was evaluated using the BESS system, and flexibility measurement was conducted on a flat surface. Vertical jump and 20m speed tests were also administered. Data were analyzed using the SPSS program and evaluated with Cohen's d effect size index. A significance level of 0.05 was accepted. According to the agility test results, the mean score in the Kinesio taping group was 9.848, while in the non-taping group it was 10.6938. The difference between groups was statistically significant (t = -2.342, p = 0.034). In the assessment of postural control, the mean balance error score (BESS) on foam ground was 6.125 with a standard deviation of 0.835 in the Kinesio taping group, and 11.625 with a standard deviation of 4.534 in the non-taping group. The Chi-Square test results indicated a statistically significant difference in balance error scores between groups (p = 0.014). No significant differences were found in speed and anaerobic power levels between the Kinesio taping and non-taping groups. In conclusion, Kinesio taping has a moderate effect on agility and balance performance. This suggests that taping the gastrocnemius muscle may improve athletes' movement capabilities by stabilizing joints and enhancing muscle efficiency.