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Comparison of the Effects of Kinesio Taping and Graston Application in Individuals With Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
Sponsor: Gazi University
Summary
Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is characterized by pain, stiffness, and discomfort that typically develop 24-72 hours after unaccustomed or intense physical activity. Previous studies suggest that both Kinesio taping and the Graston technique may help reduce DOMS-related symptoms. However, these two approaches have not been directly compared, and their effects on muscle oxygen saturation, peak squat force, and lower-extremity response time remain unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the short-term effects of Kinesio taping and the Graston technique in healthy participants with exercise-induced DOMS. A total of 36 participants were randomly allocated to three groups: a Kinesio taping group, a Graston technique group, and a control group that received no therapeutic intervention and recovered naturally. Pain severity, muscle oxygen saturation, peak squat force, and lower-extremity response time were assessed 24 hours after the DOMS-induction protocol, before the interventions, and again 72 hours after the DOMS-induction protocol, corresponding to 48 hours after the interventions were initiated.
Official title: Comparison of the Effects of Kinesio Taping and the Graston Technique on Pain, Muscle Oxygen Saturation, Peak Squat Force, and Lower-Extremity Response Time in Individuals With Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 24 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
36
Start Date
2024-06-20
Completion Date
2025-06-01
Last Updated
2026-08-11
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
kinesio taping
In this study, a lymphatic Kinesio taping technique was applied over the quadriceps femoris muscle. Two 5-cm-wide Kinesio tapes were cut to an appropriate length according to the dimensions of the target area. Each tape was prepared in a fan-cut configuration consisting of an uncut base and five longitudinal tails. The base was applied proximally near the inguinal lymph nodes without tension. The five tails were then applied over the quadriceps femoris with approximately 15% tension, while the terminal portions of the tails were applied without tension. The application was performed with the participant in the supine position and the quadriceps muscle relaxed.s.
Graston Technique
The Graston technique, a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, was applied using a stainless-steel instrument and baby oil as a lubricant. Participants were positioned supine with the quadriceps femoris relaxed. The convex surface of the instrument was applied sequentially over the vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, and vastus medialis muscles in a cranial-to-caudal direction. Each muscle was treated for 2 minutes, resulting in a total treatment duration of 6 minutes per session. The first session was performed immediately after the post-DOMS pre-intervention assessment, 24 hours after the DOMS-induction protocol, and the second session was performed 24 hours later.
Locations (1)
Gazi University
Ankara, Please Select, Turkey (Türkiye)