Effects of Kinesio tape on muscle soreness after exercise
Official title: Effects of Kinesio Tape on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
Run by Indiana University · NCT04128670 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if using Kinesio tape can help reduce muscle soreness in the biceps after tough exercise.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Indiana University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Indianapolis, Indiana) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 30, 2020 |
| Main results expected | May 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | May 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 16, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04128670 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are healthy individuals aged 18 to 30 who do not regularly participate in upper extremity strengthening exercises.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who have recently engaged in upper extremity strengthening exercises or have certain medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the impact of Kinesio tape on delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in the biceps following strenuous eccentric exercise. Participants will undergo four testing sessions, including baseline assessments, an eccentric exercise protocol, and follow-up evaluations at 48 and 72 hours post-exercise. The study will take place at the National Institute of Fitness and Sport, where participants will be screened for eligibility and assessed for muscle pain and function. The goal is to determine if Kinesio tape can alleviate muscle soreness resulting from exercise-induced stress.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-invasive method to reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery for individuals engaging in strenuous physical activities.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of Kinesio tape has been explored in various contexts, this specific application for DOMS following eccentric exercise is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 to 30 years old Exclusion Criteria: * Participating in any strengthening exercises or activities of the upper extremities for the past month. * Regularly (\~2x per month) participating in strengthening exercises or activities that include lengthening actions of the upper extremity for the past 6 months. * An answer of yes to any of the seven questions on the first page of the 2019 Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire \[PAR-Q: 16\] indicating that the subject is not physically ready for exercise without a medical exam. These exclusions include the following: * If participant's doctor has ever said that he/she has a heart condition or high blood pressure * Pain in chest at rest, during daily activities of living, or when doing physical activity * If participant has ever lost balance because of dizziness or has lost consciousness in the past 12 months * If the participant currently has (or have had within the past 12 months) a bone, joint, or soft tissue (muscle, ligament, or tendon) problem that could be made worse by becoming more physically activity * If participant is currently taking prescribed medications for a chronic medical condition * If the participant's doctor has ever told them that they should only do medically supervised physical activity. * Currently taking nutritional supplements or anti-inflammatory medication on a daily basis * Any injury or surgery to the neck or upper extremity in the past 6 months * Open or scabbed wounds in the arm area to be taped * Known allergies to the tape or medical adhesive bandages * If skin irritation develops to the tape Session exclusion criteria: ● Taking over-the-counter pain medications on days of testing, prior to testing sessions, including acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn).
Where it's running
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Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kelly M Naugle, PhD
- Email: kmnaugle@iupui.edu
- Phone: 3172740601
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.