Progressive tension protocol for muscle strength with Kinesio tape in runners - double-blind randomized clinical trial

Abstract Introduction Kinesio tape (KT), although frequently used in sports, is still a matter of debate, and the results of studies that evaluated its effects on muscle strength (MS) in athletes are still inconclusive and contradictory. Objective To evaluate the effect of a progressive KT tension protocol on knee MS in runners over an eight-week intervention. Methods Clinical trial involving 49 runners of both sexes randomized into two groups: KT (KT with progressive tension protocol) and placebo (KT without tension). The MS of knee flexors and extensors was evaluated by isokinetic dynamometer (60º/s and 90º/s) at four moments: (1) without KT; (2) with KT and without tension; (3) without KT (after 8 weeks after of intervention); (4) with KT and with tension (after 8 weeks after of intervention). Inter- and intra-group comparisons were made. The significance level adopted was 95% (p < 0.05). Results There were no significant differences in MS between the groups at any of the evaluated moments. There was a statistically significant difference in MS (60º/s) in both groups (KT and placebo) when comparing moments 4 and 2 for knee flexors, and in the placebo group between moments 4 and 2 and moments 4 and 3 for knee extensors. Conclusion The progressive tension protocol of KT was not able to intervene in the SM gain of knee flexors and extensors of runners in inter and intragroup comparisons.