Kinesio tape significantly reduces delayed onset of muscle soreness pain and exhibits a better recovery effect compared to compression sleeves.

A single-blinded randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the impact of kinesio tape (KT) and compression sleeves (CS) on the recovery of muscle soreness, isokinetic strength, and body fatigue following delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS).

The study included a total of 32 participants, aged 18 to 24 years, who were randomized into 4 groups: Control group (CG), Compression Sleeves group (CSG), Kinesio Tape group (KTG), and Compression Sleeves and Kinesio Tape group (CSKTG). The KTG utilized KT, the CSG wore CS, and the CSKTG utilized both KT and CS.

The outcomes were assessed at 5 different time points: baseline, 0 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours. The major endpoint measure was the pain level assessed through the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), while the secondary endpoints included Work Fatigue, Peak Torque/Body Weight ratio, and Interleukin 6 levels. Utilizing repeated measures analysis of variance method, statistical analysis was executed.

Following the intervention, the VAS scores reached their peak at 24 hours post exercise-induced muscle soreness. However, both the KTG and CSG consistently had lower VAS scores compared to the CG at each time point. Additionally, the scores of the CSKTG at 24 hours and 48 hours were reduced than those of the KTG and CSG within the same time period.

Regarding interleukin 6 levels, at 24 hours, the CSKTG showed lower levels compared to KTG (0.71) and CG (1.68). In terms of peak torque/body weight, at 24 hours, the CG had lower values compared to the CSKTG (0.99), KTG (0.94), and CSG (0.72). At 72 hours, the CG had lower values compared to the CSKTG (0.65) and KTG (0.58). Regarding work fatigue, at 24 hours, the CG had lower values compared to KTG (0.10) and CSKTG (0.01). At 48 hours, the CG had lower values compared to the KTG (0.10) and the CSKTG (0.11).

KT is highly effective in reducing DOMS pain and has better recovery effects compared to CS. When combined with CS, KT accelerates muscle strength recovery, shortens recovery time, and improves peak torque/body weight and work fatigue recovery. KT combined with CS demonstrates a significant recovery effect on DOMS.