Does Kinesio Taping Enhance Exercise Performance and Recovery in Healthy Males Under Heat Stress?

Backgrounds/Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare blood flow and exercise performance in high-temperature environments with Kinesio taping. Methods: Ten heathy men performed a Bruce treadmill test until volitional fatigue in a heated environment (35 °C, 50% relative humidity), with (KTC) and without Kinesio taping (UTC). Blood flow (BF), maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max), heart rate (HR), and blood lactate (BL) were measured at baseline, after 30 min of acclimation, during treadmill exercise, and after 30 min of recovery. Results: Baseline and resting measurements of BF, VO₂max, HR, and BL were similar between conditions (p > 0.05). The results revealed no significant differences in any variables between conditions (p > 0.05), except for BF. BF was significantly higher in the KTC compared to the UTC during exercise (p < 0.05). VO₂, HR, and BL significantly increased during exercise, immediately post-exercise, 10 min post-exercise, and 30 min post-exercise compared to baseline in both KTC and UTC conditions (all p < 0.05). When Kinesio tape was applied, BF significantly increased during and after exercise. However, VO₂, HR, and BL did not differ between conditions. Conclusions: These results showed no evidence that Kinesio tape improves exercise performance or recovery in heat conditions.