Acute Effects of Kinesiology Taping on Performance in Soccer Players

Kinesiological taping, frequently used today for the prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries and to support athlete performance, has become a popular technique in the field of sports science. However, scientific evidence on the short-term effects of this application on athletes is limited. In this context, the aim of this study is to evaluate the acute changes in functional performance parameters such as speed, agility, and explosive power in football players who underwent kinesiological taping. The aim of this study is to examine the acute effects of kinesiological taping on agility, speed, and lower extremity explosive power in football players. Participants aged 14-18 years who meet the inclusion criteria will be randomized into kinesiological tape (n:12) and sham tape (n:12) groups using a closed envelope method. The T-Agility Test will be used for agility, the 30 m Sprint Test for speed, and the Standing Long Jump Test for lower extremity explosive power. All participants will perform agility, speed, and explosive power tests after the same warm-up program. Following the initial assessment, participants will undergo quadriceps muscle technique using kinesiological taping and sham taping by the same physiotherapist. Tests will be repeated immediately after the tapes are applied. The findings are expected to provide information on the potential of kinesiological taping to contribute to short-term performance improvement in soccer players and its effects on preventing sports injuries.