Introduction: Kinesio taping consists of the attachment of a thin elastic tape over specific muscles, the thickness of which is similar to that of the epidermis.
Objective: The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of Kinesio taping and placebo taping on muscle torque, muscle activity and jumping performance soccer players.
Methods: Thirty athletes were randomly allocated to two groups (Group A: Kinesio taping and Group B: placebo taping). The participants were instructed to perform the Hop test's and were submitted to an isokinetic evaluation of the knee extensors as well as an electromyographic evaluation of the retus femoris muscle of the dominant lower limb. Next, Kinesio taping was performed for the activation of the rectus femoris muscle in Group A and placebo taping was performed in Group B. The participants were reevaluated 30 minutes after taping and 24 hours after the first evaluation using the same tests. Intra-group and inter-group comparisons were made considering the three evaluation times.
Results: No statistically significant differences were found between groups at any evaluation time regarding the Hop test's, root mean square of the electromyographic signal or peak torque of the knee extensors of the dominant lower limb (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Kinesio taping for the activation of the rectus femoris muscle has no effect on peak muscle torque, muscle activity or jumping performance among soccer players.
Keywords: Kinesio taping; electromyography; hop test; muscle strength; soccer; sport performance.