The Use of Kinesio Taping and its Effects on the Performance of Soccer Players

Purpose: To determine the effects of Kinesio Taping (KT) on physical performance in soccer players. Methods: A systematic search was conducted using the PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science databases. Inclusion criteria were randomized clinical trials; studies on healthy male and female soccer players aged 18-65 years; studies using KT. The search terms used were "(Kinesio Tape OR Kinesio Taping OR Kinesiology Tape OR Kinesiology Taping) AND (Football OR Soccer) AND (Performance OR Strength OR Balance)". All original studies published in English or translated to English from January 2014 to June 2024 were considered. Results: Six studies with a total of 172 subjects (all male, aged 18-31 years) were included. Three studies applied KT to prevent instability using functional correction techniques, on the knees and ankles. Five studies used KT to improve performance-related parameters using muscular strengthening/facilitation techniques, targeting the quadriceps, tibialis anterior, and iliopsoas muscles. Three studies showed significant performance improvements with KT, though two of these also included balance exercise protocols. Conclusions: While some studies demonstrated positive effects of KT on soccer performance, the evidence is not conclusive. More high-quality research is needed to definitively determine the effectiveness of KT for enhancing physical performance in soccer players.