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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07438431

Comparison of the Effects of Kinesio Taping and Graston Application in Individuals With Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness

Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is characterized by pain, stiffness, and discomfort that typically develop 24-72 hours after unaccustomed or intense physical activity. Previous studies suggest that both Kinesio taping and the Graston technique may help reduce DOMS-related symptoms. However, these two approaches have not been directly compared, and their effects on muscle oxygen saturation, peak squat force, and lower-extremity response time remain unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the short-term effects of Kinesio taping and the Graston technique in healthy participants with exercise-induced DOMS.

A total of 36 participants were randomly allocated to three groups: a Kinesio taping group, a Graston technique group, and a control group that received no therapeutic intervention and recovered naturally. Pain severity, muscle oxygen saturation, peak squat force, and lower-extremity response time were assessed 24 hours after the DOMS-induction protocol, before the interventions, and again 72 hours after the DOMS-induction protocol, corresponding to 48 hours after the interventions were initiated.

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Key information

Conditions

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)

Age range

18 year–24 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Gazi University

Ankara, Please Select, 06490, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is characterized by pain, discomfort, and stiffness that typically develop within 24-72 hours after unaccustomed or intense physical activity. Previous studies suggest that both Kinesio taping (KT) and the Graston technique may reduce DOMS-related symptoms; however, these approaches have not been directly compared, and their effects on muscle oxygen saturation, functional muscle force, and lower-extremity response time remain unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the short-term effects of Kinesio taping and the Graston technique on pain severity, muscle oxygen saturation, functional muscle force, and lower-extremity response time in individuals with exercise-induced DOMS.

A total of 36 healthy participants were randomly allocated to three groups: a Kinesio taping group, a Graston technique group, and a control group that received no therapeutic intervention and recovered naturally. Pain severity, muscle oxygen saturation, peak squat force, and lower-extremity response time were assessed 24 hours after the DOMS-induction protocol, before initiation of the interventions, and again 72 hours after the DOMS-induction protocol. The changes in these outcomes were statistically compared among the groups.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Being between 18 and 24 years of age
  • Being classified as inactive according to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire
  • Having a body mass index below 25

Exclusion criteria

  • Presence of a chronic disease
  • History of lower extremity orthopedic disorders or surgery
  • Current lower extremity muscle pain
  • History of lower extremity trauma within the last month
  • Use of medications that may affect the musculoskeletal system (e.g., muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory drugs)
  • Caffeine consumption within 24 hours before exercise
  • Participation in another exercise or intense physical activity within 24 hours before the test
  • Use of performance-enhancing supplements

Treatment and study plan

Kinesio Taping

Other

In this study, a lymphatic Kinesio taping technique was applied over the quadriceps femoris muscle. Two 5-cm-wide Kinesio tapes were cut to an appropriate length according to the dimensions of the target area. Each tape was prepared in a fan-cut configuration consisting of an uncut base and five longitudinal tails. The base was applied proximally near the inguinal lymph nodes without tension. The five tails were then applied over the quadriceps femoris with approximately 15% tension, while the terminal portions of the tails were applied without tension. The application was performed with the participant in the supine position and the quadriceps muscle relaxed.s.

Graston Technique

Other

The Graston technique, a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, was applied using a stainless-steel instrument and baby oil as a lubricant. Participants were positioned supine with the quadriceps femoris relaxed. The convex surface of the instrument was applied sequentially over the vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, and vastus medialis muscles in a cranial-to-caudal direction. Each muscle was treated for 2 minutes, resulting in a total treatment duration of 6 minutes per session. The first session was performed immediately after the post-DOMS pre-intervention assessment, 24 hours after the DOMS-induction protocol, and the second session was performed 24 hours later.

Primary outcomes

  1. Visual Analog Scale

    Time frame: 48 hours

    Pain severity was assessed using a 10-cm horizontal Visual Analog Scale (VAS), anchored by 0 ("no pain") and 10 ("worst imaginable pain"). Participants were asked to mark the point on the line that best represented their perceived pain intensity. The distance from the 0 anchor to the marked point was measured in centimetres using a ruler, with higher scores indicating greater pain severity. Pain was assessed separately at rest and during the squat task.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Peak Squat Force

    Time frame: 48 hours

    Peak squat force was assessed using the K-Force Plates (K-Invent®, France). Participants performed single-leg squats on the exercised dominant lower extremity to approximately 90-100° of knee flexion. Three 10-second trials were performed, with a 60-second rest period between trials. Participants were instructed to perform as many squat repetitions as possible while maintaining proper technique. Peak squat force recorded during the task was used for analysis.

  2. Response Time

    Time frame: 48 hours

    Lower-extremity response time was assessed using the BlazePod™ system (Play Coyotta Ltd., Tel Aviv, Israel), a light-based visual stimulus system with reported test-retest reliability for response-time assessment. Participants performed the test in a seated position. Following a visual light stimulus, they were instructed to touch the illuminated pod as quickly as possible using the exercised lower extremity. The time between presentation of the visual stimulus and contact with the pod was recorded by the system. Mean response time, expressed in milliseconds (ms), was used for analysis, with lower values indicating faster responses.

  3. Muscle Oxygen Saturation (SmO₂)

    Time frame: 48 hours

    Muscle oxygen saturation (SmO₂) was measured using a wearable near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) device (Train.Red, The Netherlands). The sensor was positioned over the rectus femoris muscle of the dominant lower extremity and secured using the strap provided with the device. Skinfold thickness at the measurement site was assessed using a caliper to characterize the local subcutaneous tissue thickness. The sensor position was standardized across assessments to ensure consistent placement. Muscle oxygen saturation was recorded during a 30-second unilateral squat task, and the mean SmO₂ (%) value obtained during the task was used for analysis.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Gazi University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparison of the Effects of Kinesio Taping and the Graston Technique on Pain, Muscle Oxygen Saturation, Peak Squat Force, and Lower-Extremity Response Time in Individuals With Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Feb 27, 2026
Registry last updated
Aug 11, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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