NCT07438431

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

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

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 20 (actual)
• Sponsor: Gazi University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 35 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

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.

Detailed description

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.

Conditions

• Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	kinesio taping	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.
OTHER	Graston Techinique	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.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-06-01
• Primary completion: 2025-06-01
• Completion: 2025-06-01
• First posted: 2026-02-27
• Last updated: 2026-03-02

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)