Effects of Kinesio Taping on Performance

• variables:(1) Body weight and height (Detecto DR400C platform scale (Webb City, MO) and Seca S-214 height rod (Hanover, MD), respectively), (2) Waist and hip circumference (Gulik tape measure), (3) % Body fat (bioelectrical impedance analysis, RJL Quantum X).

Peak power and mean power were measured with automatic Power cycle (Powercycle, USA). The subjects started from rest and accelerated maximally for approximately 3-4 seconds. Data was recorded for 6.5 pedal revolutions, and the increase in kinetic energy resulting from the acceleration of the ergometer flywheel was averaged over every pedal revolution and used to calculate power. The highest power and mean power (average two of the highest values) recorded during a pedal revolution was defined as Pmax and Pmean respectively.

Assessment of muscle strength was measured by Muscle Testing system. A hand-held dynamometer (Lafayette, USA) used to measure isometric knee extensor and flexor strength. Specifically, subjects were seated on a table in supine position, with the knee and hip positioned at 90º. The subjects were instructed to remain seated and place both hands on the table. The dynamometer force pad placed just proximal to the ankle joint, the knee extensor strength was quantified in pound force. All subjects performed two maximal trials for 3 to 5 seconds with a 30 seconds rest interval. The higher value of two trials was recorded.

To measure the sensation of lower limb muscle fatigue, subjects' subjective feelings were evaluated using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). A 100 mm VAS (on a 0-10 scale) was used, ranging from "not in the least (0)" on the left to "extremely (10)" on the right end. Participants were asked to score the amount of lower limb muscle fatigue experienced before and immediately after each trial.