The Effect of Kinesiology Taping on Jump Height in Male Rugby Players

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects Kinesiology Tape (KT) has on jump height performance in male rugby players. Subjects: A group of 12 semi-professional rugby players (with mean age, weight and height of 25.0±4.4 years old, 97.0±12.1kg and 181.6±6.6 cm) consisting of seven forwards (with mean age, weight and height of 25.1±5.6 years old, 103.3±9.8kg, and 184.6±3.4cm) and five backs (with mean age weight and height of 24.8±2.8 years old, 88.3±9.7kg and 177.3±7.9cm). All rugby players were volunteers from Ebbw Vale Rugby Football Club (RFC). Methods: The countermovement jump test on a smart speed jump mat was utilised in order to measure the participants jump height. All volunteers completed three maximal countermovement jumps without KT in the first data collection session to receive baseline data. On a separate occasion three weeks after the baseline scores were retrieved, all participants returned for the second and final data collection session. Subjects were required to complete three maximal countermovement jumps with the application of KT tape. The tape was applied from the origin to the insertion of three of the quadriceps muscles; Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis and Vastus Medialis. Participant’s best score from the three jumps were taken for further statistical analysis on both occasions. Results: A Paired Samples T-Test demonstrated no significant difference (p>0.05) between jump height without and with the application of the KT tape. A similar result was found when a Two-Way Mixed Model ANOVA (analysis of variance) with syntax was completed to compare the forwards and the backs jump height with and without the taping (p>0.05). Conclusions: The outcomes of this study suggest that KT does not affect jump height in male rugby players. Neither does the player’s position on field affect their jump height with or without the application of the elasticated adhesive tape. It could also be suggested that the tape did not affect muscle activation or strength. It is recommended that further research should be done to provide a sound theoretical underpinning for the effects of KT on muscular strength and activation.