The influence of kinesiology tape colour on performance and corticomotor activity in healthy adults : A randomised crossover controlled trial

Journal article

Cavaleri, Rocco, Thapa, Tribikram, Beckenkamp, Paula R. and Chipchase, Lucinda S.. (2018). The influence of kinesiology tape colour on performance and corticomotor activity in healthy adults : A randomised crossover controlled trial. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation. 10(1), p. Article 17. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-018-0106-4
AuthorsCavaleri, Rocco, Thapa, Tribikram, Beckenkamp, Paula R. and Chipchase, Lucinda S.
Abstract

Background
There exists conflicting evidence regarding the impact of kinesiology tape on performance and muscle function. One variable that may account for disparities in the findings of previous studies is the colour of the tape applied. Colour is hypothesised to influence sporting performance through modulation of arousal and aggression. However, few studies have investigated the influence of colour on products designed specifically to enhance athletic performance. Further, no studies have investigated the potential influence of colour on other drivers of performance, such as corticomotor activity and neuromuscular function. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of kinesiology tape colour on athletic performance, knee extensor torque, and quadriceps neuromuscular function.

Methods
Thirty two healthy participants were assessed under five conditions, applied in random order: (1) no kinesiology tape (control), (2) beige-coloured kinesiology tape applied with tension (sham A), (3) beige-coloured kinesiology tape applied with no tension (sham B), (4) red-coloured kinesiology tape applied with tension, and (5) blue-coloured kinesiology tape applied with tension. Athletic performance was assessed using a previously validated hop test, knee extensor torque was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer, and transcranial magnetic stimulation was utilised to provide insight into the neuromuscular functioning of the quadriceps musculature.

Results
Kinesiology tape had no beneficial impact on lower limb performance or muscle strength in healthy adults. The colour of the tape did not influence athletic performance (F (4, 120) = 0.593, p = 0.669), quadriceps strength (F (4, 120) = 0.787, p = 0.536), or neuromuscular function (rectus femoris: F (2.661, 79.827) = 1.237, p = 0.301).

Conclusion
This study found that kinesiology tape does not alter lower limb performance or muscle function in healthy adults, irrespective of the colour of the tape applied. Future research should seek to confirm these findings beyond the research setting, across a range of sports, and at a range of skill levels.

Trial registration
Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. ACTRN12616001506482. Prospectively registered on 01/11/2016.

Keywordskinesiology tape; colour; performance; corticomotor activity; transcranial magnetic stimulation
Year2018
JournalBMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation
Journal citation10 (1), p. Article 17
PublisherBiomed Central Ltd
ISSN2052-1847
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-018-0106-4
PubMed ID30410769
Scopus EID2-s2.0-85065613665
PubMed Central IDPMC6211494
Open accessPublished as ‘gold’ (paid) open access
Research or scholarlyResearch
Page range1-8
FunderWestern Sydney University
Australian Postgraduate Award, Australian Goverment
Publisher's version
License
File Access Level
Open
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Online01 Nov 2018
Publication process dates
Accepted18 Oct 2018
Deposited19 Aug 2022
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