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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 the pain, stiffness, and discomfort that usually appear 24-72 hours after doing an unusual or intense physical activity. Previous studies have shown that both Kinesio taping and the Graston technique can help reduce this type of muscle soreness. However, it is not clear which method is more effective, and their effects on muscle oxygen levels, muscle strength during functional tasks, and reaction time have not been compared directly. The aim of this study was to compare these two treatment methods in people who developed DOMS. A total of 30 healthy participants took part in the study. One group received Kinesio taping, the second group received the Graston technique, and the third group did not receive any treatment and was left to recover naturally. Muscle oxygen levels, functional muscle strength, and reaction times were measured before exercise and again 48 hours later, and the results were compared.

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Key information

Conditions

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)

Age range

18 year–35 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 increasing pain, discomfort, and stiffness occurring within 24-72 hours after unaccustomed physical activity. Previous studies have shown that both Kinesio taping (KT) and the Graston technique are effective in reducing DOMS; however, their comparative superiority has not been investigated, and their effects on muscle oxygenation, functional muscle strength, and reaction time have not been directly compared. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of Kinesio taping and the Graston technique on muscle oxygenation, functional muscle strength, and reaction time in individuals with induced DOMS. A total of 30 healthy participants were included in the study; Kinesio taping was applied to the first group, the Graston technique to the second group, and the third group served as a control and was allowed to recover naturally. Physical activity levels, muscle oxygenation, functional muscle strength, and reaction times were measured before exercise and at the 48th hour, and the obtained data were statistically compared.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Being between 18 and 30 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, the lymphatic application technique of Kinesio taping was used. Two Kinesio tapes, each 5 cm in width, were applied over the quadriceps femoris muscle. After measuring the length over the muscle, the tape was cut to the appropriate size and shaped for lymphatic application. The central portion of the tape and five longitudinal strips extending from this part were created. The central portion was applied without tension, while the strips were applied to the skin with approximately 15% tension. The ends of the strips were again applied without tension. The five strips were arranged in a fan-cut (octopus-like) configuration. The application was performed while the participant was lying in the supine position with the muscle in a relaxed state. The central part of the tape was placed near the inguinal lymph nodes.

Graston Techinique

Other

The Graston massage technique is a form of manual therapy performed with stainless steel instruments and a lubricating oil instead of using the hands. For the application, a smooth metal planor head was used. The participant lay in the supine position, and baby oil was applied to the quadriceps femoris muscle. The convex side of the Graston instrument was then applied sequentially to the vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, and vastus medialis muscles, for 2 minutes on each muscle, moving from the cranial to the caudal direction, for a total of 6 minutes. The massage was performed twice: immediately after exercise and again on the following day.

Primary outcomes

  1. Muscle Oxygenation

    Time frame: 48 hours

    Muscle oxygenation was measured using the FYER near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) device manufactured by Train.Red. The FYER device is a stable system capable of accurately measuring changes in total tissue hemoglobin and tissue oxygenation, and its validity and reliability have been previously established. The device was secured over the muscle using the strap provided in the package and fixed onto the target muscle of the limb. Muscle oxygenation of the quadriceps femoris was recorded during the squat exercise.

  2. Reaction Time

    Time frame: 48 hours

    Lower extremity reaction time was measured using the BlazePod Trainer device (Play Coyotta Ltd., Tel Aviv, Israel). The BlazePod is a system designed to assess dynamic reaction time. After a waiting period, the device emits a light stimulus and the timer starts. When the participant touches the device with a body part, the light turns off and the timer stops. The elapsed time provides a quantitative measure of reaction time. The device has been shown to be a valid and reliable tool for reaction time assessment.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Visual Analog Scale

    Time frame: 48 hours

    The Visual Analog Scale is a simple tool used to convert subjective experiences into numerical values. It consists of a 100-mm line with two endpoints representing the extremes of the parameter being measured. For pain assessment, one end indicates "no pain," and the other indicates "very severe pain." The participant marks the point on the line that best reflects their current pain level, and the distance from the "no pain" end to the marked point represents the pain intensity. The VAS is one of the most commonly used tools for assessing musculoskeletal pain and has been shown to be a valid and reliable measurement method.

  2. Assessment of Functional Muscle Strength

    Time frame: 48 hours

    unctional muscle strength was evaluated using the K-Invent® K-Force force platform, a valid and reliable measurement device. Strength was assessed during a squat exercise. While standing on the force platform, participants were instructed to perform squats to approximately 90-100 degrees of knee flexion. Three measurements were taken, and participants were asked to perform as many repetitions as possible during each 10-second test period. A 60-second rest interval was provided between measurements. The number of repetitions, maximum force, and right-left limb asymmetry were recorded.

  3. Assessment of Edema

    Time frame: 48 hours

    Thigh circumference was measured as an indirect indicator of edema. The midpoint of the thigh was defined at the level of the greater trochanter. A measuring tape was used to obtain the thigh circumference while the participant lay in the supine anatomical position. The measurement was recorded in centimeters.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Gazi University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparison of the Effects of Kinesio Taping and Graston Application on Muscle Oxygenation, Functional Muscle Strength, and Reaction 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
Mar 2, 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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