The use of Kinesiology tape to increase strength output in the lower limbs and enhance reaction times in soccer players
This study was completed by Perth integrated Health with the support of Rocktape Australia and with the cooperation and participation of Football West. Special mention to Jamie Harnwell, coach and development manager at Football West.
This study was completed by Perth integrated Health with the support of Rocktape Australia and with the cooperation and participation of Football West. Special mention to Jamie Harnwell, coach and development manager at Football West.
Participants came for a general orientation and training session where they were taught what was expected during the course of the study and given a trial run. During this session, participants were measured for their best time over 30 meters after a standardized warm up.
During the 2 data collection sessions, participants were tested in vertical jump height 10 times after a standardized warm up and asked to do 30 meter runs (at 90%, 50% and 30% capacity) for 5 mins between jumps. Total testing time for each session was approximately 45 mins (a standard half of soccer). The first session was conducted without tape and the second session (2 days later) was conducted with the tape on.
During the 2 data collection sessions, participants were tested in vertical jump height 10 times after a standardized warm up and asked to do 30 meter runs (at 90%, 50% and 30% capacity) for 5 mins between jumps. Total testing time for each session was approximately 45 mins (a standard half of soccer). The first session was conducted without tape and the second session (2 days later) was conducted with the tape on.
Force output was calculated in terms of jump height and the reduction in jump height achieved with each subsequent jump will indicate the level of endurance/fatigue the lower limb muscles suffer after running. The test was set up to simulate game time performance and action as closely as possible. The level of decline in jump height achieved could then be compared in the pre and post test to determine endurance levels and force output achieved.
Results
The preliminary data analyzed has yielded very positive results in the benefits Rocktape has for soccer players. Raw data collected indicate that most of the girls tested showed a significant increase in vertical jump height with Rocktape on. Most girls demonstrated a 1 to 2 inch vertical jump increase compared to their readings without tape on. Another encouraging sign observed is that while there was a steady decline in jump height during the session without tape on, during session 2, the girls manage to maintain vertical jump height longer or decline slightly, then increase again.
Analysis of the initial raw data would suggest that the use of Rocktape in soccer players can enhance force output and endurance in the lower limbs of soccer players during game time scenarios. This would enhance performance and prevent injuries during the game. This data would point towards the benefits of using Rocktape during soccer matches and also advocate for further testing to be conducted with larger samples and different levels of players.
Rocktape to feature on Channel Seven news (Australia)
For those of you who tune into Channel Seven news be on the lookout for a segment featuring Rocktape.
As we all have seen when watching professional sport on tv, Rocktape is being used by more and more elite sporting teams and athletes. Channel Seven have recently finished shooting a segment featuring both the Western Bulldogs and Melbourne Victory’s use of Rocktape and will shortly be screening it. This will no doubt further enhance the profile of Rocktape in the broader community and lead to more enquiries of practitioners about Rocktape and this new technique of taping.
We would like to thank all those practitioners who have added Rocktape to their tool kit for treating patients over the past 12 months, and in particular we would like to thank Andrew McKenzie (Western Bulldogs) and Daniel Jones (Melbourne Victory) for their parts in the Rocktape segment for Channel Seven.
