Strong Kinesio Taping and Shoulder Performance

This randomized, sham-controlled, repeated-measures crossover study was designed to investigate the immediate effects of Strong Kinesio Taping on shoulder isokinetic muscle performance in professional male basketball players. Each participant completed three experimental conditions in a randomized order: Strong Kinesio Taping, sham taping, and no taping. Consecutive testing sessions were separated by a 72-hour washout period to minimize possible carryover effects. Because each participant underwent all three conditions, participants served as their own controls.

Professional male basketball players who regularly participated in training and competition were assessed for eligibility. Participants were required to be free from shoulder pain or injury at the time of testing. Individuals with a history of shoulder surgery, neurological disorders, or musculoskeletal conditions affecting upper-extremity function were excluded. Before participation, all athletes received written and verbal information about the study procedures and provided written informed consent.

At each testing session, participants completed a standardized upper-extremity warm-up and familiarization contractions before the isokinetic assessment. Strong Kinesio Taping was applied to the dominant shoulder using a supraspinatus muscle inhibition technique and a glenohumeral mechanical correction technique. Sham taping was applied using the same tape material but without therapeutic tension or application principles intended to influence muscle function. In the no-taping condition, participants underwent the same testing procedures without tape application.

Shoulder internal and external rotator muscle performance was assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer. Participants were tested in a seated position with the shoulder at 90 degrees of abduction, the elbow at 90 degrees of flexion, and the forearm in a neutral position. The trunk and shoulder were stabilized, and the dynamometer axis was aligned with the axis of glenohumeral rotation.

Testing was performed at angular velocities of 60 degrees per second and 240 degrees per second. Participants completed five maximal repetitions at 60 degrees per second and 15 maximal repetitions at 240 degrees per second. A standardized rest period was provided between the two testing velocities.

The primary outcome measures were peak torque and total work of the shoulder internal and external rotator muscles at each angular velocity. The external-to-internal rotator strength ratio was evaluated as a secondary outcome to determine whether the taping conditions affected the relative balance between the shoulder rotator muscle groups.

Inclusion criteria

• active participation in professional basketball competition,
• regular training participation
• absence of shoulder pain or injury at the time of testing.

Exclusion criteria

• a history of shoulder surgery,
• neurological disorders,
• any musculoskeletal condition affecting upper-extremity function