This study evaluated the immediate effects of Strong Kinesio Taping on shoulder muscle performance in professional male basketball players. The study used a randomized crossover design in which each participant completed three experimental conditions: Strong Kinesio Taping, sham taping, and no taping. The testing sessions were separated by a 72-hour washout period. During each session, the internal and external rotator muscle performance of the dominant shoulder was assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer at angular velocities of 60°/s and 240°/s. The main outcomes were peak torque and total work of the shoulder internal and external rotator muscles. The external-to-internal rotator strength ratio was also evaluated to determine whether taping affected the balance between these muscle groups.
This randomized, sham-controlled, repeated-measures crossover study was designed to investigate the immediate effects of Strong Kinesio Taping on shoulder isokinetic muscle performance in professional male basketball players. Each participant completed three experimental conditions in a randomized order: Strong Kinesio Taping, sham taping, and no taping. Consecutive testing sessions were separated by a 72-hour washout period to minimize possible carryover effects. Because each participant underwent all three conditions, participants served as their own controls. Professional male basketball players who regularly participated in training and competition were assessed for eligibility. Participants were required to be free from shoulder pain or injury at the time of testing. Individuals with a history of shoulder surgery, neurological disorders, or musculoskeletal conditions affecting upper-extremity function were excluded. Before participation, all athletes received written and verbal information about the study procedures and provided written informed consent. At each testing session, participants completed a standardized upper-extremity warm-up and familiarization contractions before the isokinetic assessment. Strong Kinesio Taping was applied to the dominant shoulder using a supraspinatus muscle inhibition technique and a glenohumeral mechanical correction technique. Sham taping was applied using the same tape material but without therapeutic tension or application principles intended to influence muscle function. In the no-taping condition, participants underwent the same testing procedures without tape application. Shoulder internal and external rotator muscle performance was assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer. Participants were tested in a seated position with the shoulder at 90 degrees of abduction, the elbow at 90 degrees of flexion, and the forearm in a neutral position. The trunk and shoulder were stabilized, and the dynamometer axis was aligned with the axis of glenohumeral rotation. Testing was performed at angular velocities of 60 degrees per second and 240 degrees per second. Participants completed five maximal repetitions at 60 degrees per second and 15 maximal repetitions at 240 degrees per second. A standardized rest period was provided between the two testing velocities. The primary outcome measures were peak torque and total work of the shoulder internal and external rotator muscles at each angular velocity. The external-to-internal rotator strength ratio was evaluated as a secondary outcome to determine whether the taping conditions affected the relative balance between the shoulder rotator muscle groups.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
26
A 5-cm-wide Strong Kinesio Tape was applied to the dominant shoulder by a certified Kinesio Taping practitioner. The application included a supraspinatus muscle inhibition technique with approximately 10%-15% tape tension from insertion to origin and a glenohumeral mechanical correction technique with approximately 50%-75% tape tension from the anterior to the posterior aspect of the glenohumeral joint. Shoulder isokinetic performance was assessed following the tape application.
The same tape material was applied to the dominant shoulder without therapeutic tension and without application principles intended to facilitate muscle activation or provide mechanical correction. Participants subsequently underwent the same standardized isokinetic testing protocol.
No tape was applied to the dominant shoulder. Participants completed the same standardized warm-up, familiarization, and isokinetic testing procedures used during the taping conditions.
Atlas University
Istanbul, Kagithane, Turkey (Türkiye)
External Rotator Peak Torque at 60°/s
Peak torque of the dominant shoulder external rotator muscles was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer at an angular velocity of 60°/s. Peak torque was recorded in Newton-meters (Nm). Higher values indicate greater maximal external rotator muscle strength.
Time frame: Immediately following each experimental condition during each of the three testing sessions, with sessions separated by a 72-hour washout period.
Internal Rotator Peak Torque at 60°/s
Peak torque of the dominant shoulder internal rotator muscles was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer at an angular velocity of 60°/s. Peak torque was recorded in Newton-meters (Nm). Higher values indicate greater maximal internal rotator muscle strength.
Time frame: Immediately following each experimental condition during each of the three testing sessions, with sessions separated by a 72-hour washout period.
External Rotator Total Work at 60°/s
Total work performed by the dominant shoulder external rotator muscles across five maximal repetitions was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer at an angular velocity of 60°/s. Total work was recorded in joules (J). Higher values indicate greater cumulative external rotator work.
Time frame: Immediately following each experimental condition during each of the three testing sessions, with sessions separated by a 72-hour washout period.
Internal Rotator Total Work at 60°/s
Total work performed by the dominant shoulder internal rotator muscles across five maximal repetitions was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer at an angular velocity of 60°/s. Total work was recorded in joules (J). Higher values indicate greater cumulative internal rotator work.
Time frame: Immediately following each experimental condition during each of the three testing sessions, with sessions separated by a 72-hour washout period.
External Rotator Peak Torque at 240°/s
Peak torque of the dominant shoulder external rotator muscles was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer at an angular velocity of 240°/s. Peak torque was recorded in Newton-meters (Nm). Higher values indicate greater maximal external rotator muscle performance at high angular velocity.
Time frame: Immediately following each experimental condition during each of the three testing sessions, with sessions separated by a 72-hour washout period.
Internal Rotator Peak Torque at 240°/s
Peak torque of the dominant shoulder internal rotator muscles was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer at an angular velocity of 240°/s. Peak torque was recorded in Newton-meters (Nm). Higher values indicate greater maximal internal rotator muscle performance at high angular velocity.
Time frame: Immediately following each experimental condition during each of the three testing sessions, with sessions separated by a 72-hour washout period.
External Rotator Total Work at 240°/s
Total work performed by the dominant shoulder external rotator muscles across 15 maximal repetitions was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer at an angular velocity of 240°/s. Total work was recorded in joules (J). Higher values indicate greater cumulative external rotator work.
Time frame: Immediately following each experimental condition during each of the three testing sessions, with sessions separated by a 72-hour washout period.
Internal Rotator Total Work at 240°/s
Total work performed by the dominant shoulder internal rotator muscles across 15 maximal repetitions was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer at an angular velocity of 240°/s. Total work was recorded in joules (J). Higher values indicate greater cumulative internal rotator work.
Time frame: Immediately following each experimental condition during each of the three testing sessions, with sessions separated by a 72-hour washout period.
External-to-Internal Rotator Peak Torque Ratio at 60°/s
The conventional external-to-internal rotator strength ratio of the dominant shoulder was calculated by dividing external rotator peak torque by internal rotator peak torque and multiplying the result by 100. The ratio was expressed as a percentage (%). It represents the relative strength balance between the shoulder external and internal rotator muscles; higher values do not necessarily indicate a better outcome.
Time frame: Immediately following each experimental condition during each of the three testing sessions, with sessions separated by a 72-hour washout period.
External-to-Internal Rotator Peak Torque Ratio at 240°/s
The conventional external-to-internal rotator strength ratio of the dominant shoulder was calculated by dividing external rotator peak torque by internal rotator peak torque and multiplying the result by 100. The ratio was expressed as a percentage (%). It represents the relative strength balance between the shoulder external and internal rotator muscles; higher values do not necessarily indicate a better outcome.
Time frame: Immediately following each experimental condition during each of the three testing sessions, with sessions separated by a 72-hour washout period.
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