Effects of Kinesiology Tape on Quadriceps Muscle Strength in Female Futsal Players: A Longitudinal Pilot Randomized...

Background/Objective: Kinesiology tape (KT) is commonly used in sports medicine and rehabilitation, but its impact on muscle strength over time remains unclear. Female futsal athletes experience high quadriceps demands and are at risk of anterior cruciate ligament injury; however, this population remains understudied. The purpose of this study was to investigate the longitudinal effect of repeated kinesiology taping applications on quadriceps muscle strength and lower limb function in female futsal players. Method: A longitudinal pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted during the Saudi Universities Sports Federation Futsal Championship. Twelve female athletes (aged 19-25 years) were randomly allocated to a KT (n = 6) or control group (n = 6). The KT protocol followed the standardized quadriceps facilitation guidelines and was applied repeatedly over 30 days. We measured isometric strength (hand-held dynamometer), eccentric/concentric torque and power (Biodex System), and functional performance (single-leg hop). Nonparametric tests (Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann-Whitney U) and mixed ANOVA were used for analysis. Result: Post-intervention, the KT group demonstrated significant improvements in isometric strength (p = 0.03, r = 0.90), eccentric/concentric strength (p = 0.03, r = 0.90), and lower limb function (p = 0.03, r = 0.90). The between-group comparisons showed significant advantages for the KT group in isometric (p = 0.01, r = 0.83) and eccentric/concentric strength (p < 0.05, r = 0.67-0.74), but not in lower limb function (p = 0.20, r = 0.37). Conclusions: Repeated kinesiology taping over a 30-day period led to statistically greater longitudinal improvements in quadriceps muscle strength but did not affect functional performance. Kinesiology taping represents a non-invasive, low-cost treatment option for quadriceps strength measures in sports characterized by higher demands on the quadriceps, especially for female athletes with contributing injury risks. Further trials with more participants and a longer follow-up should be conducted.