Kinesiotaping enhances the rate of force development but not the neuromuscular efficiency of physically active young men

Introduction: Investigations on the effects of KT on human performance have been increasing in the last few years. However, there is a paucity of studies investigating its effects on neuromuscular efficiency (NME) and rate of force development (RFD). Objective: To evaluate the NME and RFD of the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles in physically active individuals under KT application. Method: Twenty young males (79.7 ± 8.2 kg; 1.78 ± 0.05 m; 24.7 ± 4.4 years) performed three conditions in a randomized order: (1) Baseline (BL, no tape); (2) Activation (ACTIKT, tape for muscle activation); and (3) Inhibition (INHIKT, tape for muscle inhibition). The tape was applied along the lateral and medial border of gastrocnemius with 30% tension for 48 h. Peak torque (PT), RFD and NME were measured at BL and 48 h after ACTIKT and INHIKT by performing a maximum isometric contraction. Results: The RFD was significantly higher in ACTIKT compared to BL at 0–30 (P = 0.010), 0–50 (P = 0.008) and 0–100 ms (P = 0.007). The PT and NME did not differ among conditions (P > 0.05). Conclusion: KT applied for muscle activation yielded a higher RFD during the initial phase of the muscle contraction. However, KT has no enhancement effect on NME and peak torque.