Diaphragmatic Kinesio Taping With HIIT in Trained Individuals

This randomized controlled experimental study evaluates the combined effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and diaphragmatic kinesio taping on aerobic capacity, anaerobic performance, balance, and respiratory function in trained adults.

HIIT is known to elicit strong cardiovascular, metabolic, and neuromuscular adaptations through repeated short bouts of high-intensity exercise interspersed with recovery periods. Although HIIT is widely used to improve aerobic and anaerobic fitness, the potential contribution of respiratory muscle support strategies to enhance these adaptations remains largely unexplored. Diaphragmatic kinesio taping is a non-invasive method that may facilitate inspiratory muscle activation, improve breathing mechanics, and support oxygen utilization during exercise.

The main objective of this study is to determine whether adding diaphragmatic kinesio taping to a structured HIIT program produces superior improvements in aerobic capacity, anaerobic power, balance, and pulmonary function compared with HIIT alone. The study also aims to explore whether this combined approach influences post-exercise balance and neuromuscular control, which are relevant for both performance and injury prevention.

Participants aged 18-35 years with at least six months of regular training experience will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group (HIIT with diaphragmatic kinesio taping) or a control group (HIIT only). Both groups will complete an eight-week training program consisting of three supervised sessions per week on a cycle ergometer. Exercise intensity will be individually prescribed to reach 85-95% of maximal heart rate during high-intensity intervals, with active recovery periods at lower intensities.

In the experimental group, diaphragmatic kinesio taping will be applied before each training session using a standardized technique designed to support the primary respiratory muscles. The control group will follow the same HIIT protocol without taping. No changes to participants' usual training outside the study will be encouraged.

Assessments will be performed before and after the intervention under standardized laboratory conditions. Aerobic capacity will be estimated using a ramp test protocol, anaerobic performance will be evaluated using a short maximal cycling test, and balance will be assessed through validated static and dynamic balance tests. Pulmonary function, body composition, and heart rate responses will also be recorded to provide a comprehensive evaluation of physiological adaptations.

The study is conducted at Bursa Uludag University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, and has received approval from the institutional ethics committee. All participants will provide written informed consent prior to participation. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to evidence-based exercise programming by clarifying whether respiratory muscle support through diaphragmatic kinesio taping enhances the benefits of HIIT in trained individuals.

Inclusion criteria

• Aged 18-35 years
• Male or female trained individuals
• At least 6 months of regular training history
• Training at least 3-5 days per week
• Estimated VO₂max ≥ 50 ml/kg/min
• No known contraindication to high-intensity exercise
• No allergy or skin condition preventing kinesio taping
• Able to provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• History of cardiovascular, respiratory, or metabolic disease (e.g., asthma, COPD, diabetes, heart disease)
• Major musculoskeletal injury or surgery within the past 6 months
• Any pathology affecting diaphragm or respiratory muscles
• Active smoking or substance abuse
• Use of performance-enhancing drugs
• Skin disease in the abdominal region