Effect of Kinesio Taping on Sprint and Jump Performance in Active Children: A Randomized Crossover Trial

Abstract Introduction. The study investigated the effects of Kinesio taping on 30 m sprint and counter movement jump (CMJ) performance in active children. Material and Methods. Using a randomized crossover design, 28 healthy active children (12 girls, 16 boys) from a triathlon school participated in the study voluntarily. The two sessions were performed with an interval of three days to avoid accumulation of the Kinesio taping effects. Results. The ANOVA results for the counter movement jump test averages indicated statistically significant differences in favor of Kinesio taping condition (F(1, 19) = 12.383, p = 0.002; η2 = 0.395; p = 0.916). However, the ANOVA results for the sprint test averages revealed no statistically significant differences in 0-15 m, 15-30 m, and 0-30 m. Conclusions. Kinesio taping on the triceps surae does not seem to affect the sprint performance in apparently healthy active children, but it does affect the counter movement jump test.