Effects of kinesio taping on sprint, balance and agility performance in 10-12 years old badminton players

The present study aims to investigate the effects of Kinesio taping applied to the foot area of 10-12 years old active badminton players on sprint, agility and balance performance. The experimental pattern model was used in this study. Sixteen male individuals who performed badminton training at least four days a week were included in this study. Since the study is a single group, it was applied by a double-blind method. 48 hours have waited between measurements. Measurements included the Proagility/agility test, 5-10-15m sprint test and balance test. Each parameter measurement was applied twice with the application of a Kinesio tape (KT) and a colored tape to create a placebo effect (PT). Paired samples t-test was used to investigate the differences between the measurement averages of the dependent groups. When the sprint values of 5m, 10m and 15m were analyzed after PT and KT applications of the participants, a significant difference was found between 5m PT and KT applications, between 10m PT and KT applications and between 15m PT and KT applications (p<0.05). When the average of agility and balance error scores after PT and KT applications were analyzed, agility after PT and KT applications was between, Eyes Open Balance Error Score (EOBES) after PT and KT applications was between, and Eyes Close Balance Error Score (ECBES) after PT and KT applications was between (p<0.05). Conclusion. Kinesio taping positively affected the agility, sprint and balance performances of the badminton players, but it is recommended to develop hypotheses and research on the subject to answer the question of the continuity of this development.