Comparison of the Effects of Kinesio Taping and Graston Application in Individuals With Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness

Comparison of the Effects of Kinesio Taping and the Graston Technique on Pain, Muscle Oxygen Saturation, Peak Squat Force, and Lower-Extremity Response Time in Individuals With Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness

Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is characterized by pain, stiffness, and discomfort that typically develop 24-72 hours after unaccustomed or intense physical activity. Previous studies suggest that both Kinesio taping and the Graston technique may help reduce DOMS-related symptoms. However, these two approaches have not been directly compared, and their effects on muscle oxygen saturation, peak squat force, and lower-extremity response time remain unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the short-term effects of Kinesio taping and the Graston technique in healthy participants with exercise-induced DOMS.

A total of 36 participants were randomly allocated to three groups: a Kinesio taping group, a Graston technique group, and a control group that received no therapeutic intervention and recovered naturally. Pain severity, muscle oxygen saturation, peak squat force, and lower-extremity response time were assessed 0h after the DOMS-induction protocol, before the interventions, and again 48 hours after the DOMS-induction protocol, corresponding to 48 hours after the interventions were initiated.

Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is characterized by pain, discomfort, and stiffness that typically develop within 24-72 hours after unaccustomed or intense physical activity. Previous studies suggest that both Kinesio taping (KT) and the Graston technique may reduce DOMS-related symptoms; however, these approaches have not been directly compared, and their effects on muscle oxygen saturation, functional muscle force, and lower-extremity response time remain unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the short-term effects of Kinesio taping and the Graston technique on pain severity, muscle oxygen saturation, functional muscle force, and lower-extremity response time in individuals with exercise-induced DOMS.

A total of 36 healthy participants were randomly allocated to three groups: a Kinesio taping group, a Graston technique group, and a control group that received no therapeutic intervention and recovered naturally. Pain severity, muscle oxygen saturation, peak squat force, and lower-extremity response time were assessed 0hours after the DOMS-induction protocol, before initiation of the interventions, and again 48hours after the DOMS-induction protocol. The changes in these outcomes were statistically compared among the groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being between 18 and 30 years of age
• Being classified as inactive according to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire
• Having a body mass index below 25

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of a chronic disease
• History of lower extremity orthopedic disorders or surgery
• Current lower extremity muscle pain
• History of lower extremity trauma within the last month
• Use of medications that may affect the musculoskeletal system (e.g., muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory drugs)
• Caffeine consumption within 24 hours before exercise
• Participation in another exercise or intense physical activity within 24 hours before the test
• Use of performance-enhancing supplements