Kinesiology Tape does not Affect Serum Creatine Kinase Level and Quadriceps Activity during Recovery from Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness

Abstract

Background: Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) causes muscle damage and edema that can hinder performance and increase risks for secondary injuries. Kinesiology Tape (KT) may be an effective modality for aiding in recovery, however, no study has investigated the effects of KT on the physiological biomarkers such as serum creatine kinase (CK) level, concurrently with measures of performance and function, during recovery from DOMS. Objective: Investigate the effects of KT on serum CK level, electromyographic (EMG) activity of the quadriceps muscles, and performances of countermovement jump (CMJ) and triple single-leg hop for distance (HopD) during recovery from DOMS. Method: Fifty-eight healthy college-age participants were randomly assigned to KT (n=15), placebo (n=19), and control (n=24) groups. Serum CK level and quadriceps EMG activity and performance during CMJ and HopD were collected at baseline, immediately after repetitive eccentric quadriceps exercise, 48 hours, and 72 hours post-exercise. The EMG recording of rectus femoris, vastus medialis, and vastus lateralis during the CMJ and HopD were normalized to the baseline maximum voluntary isometric contraction. Results: A significant main effect of time on the serum CK level, EMG activity, and performance (p<0.05) was observed. However, there were no group differences on the serum CK level, EMG activity, or performance (p>0.05). Conclusion: Taping interventions did not improve the serum CK level or muscle activity and performance during recovery from DOMS. Kinesiology tape may not be the first choice of method for enhancing recovery from DOMS in otherwise healthy individuals.