The Effect of Kinesio Tape® on Lower Extremity Functional Movement Screen™ Scores

International Journal of Exercise Science 5(3) : 196-204, 2012. The purpose was to determine if application of Kinesio Tape (KT®) improves lower extremity scores on the Functional Movement Screen (FMS™). Individual FMS™ score assessments of 32 college students were obtained. The subjects were then randomized into treatment and control groups. The treatment group had a second FMS™ score after application of KT® to the lower extremity while the control group had a second FMS™ score with no intervention. 16 varsity women’s basketball players and 16 non-varsity female students (Tegner Scale: 6.84 ±1.25, Age: 19±1.2, Height: 165.1±15.1cm, Weight: 68.1±10.9kg) at a NCAA Division II institution participated. FMS™ scores were collected and recorded by the principal investigator. Data was analyzed through two way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Post hoc analysis indicated the treatment group significantly improved in comparison to the control group (Left: P\u3c.001, 95% CI: .283 - .467; Right P\u3c.001, 95% CI: .327 - .523) for both sides of the Hurdle Step. There were no interactions with Deep Squat (P=0.667) or either side of In-Line Lunge (Left: P=0.291, and Right: P=0.530). There were no interactions with either group in Deep Squat and In-Line Lunge of FMS™. However, there was a significant interaction with both groups in the Hurdle Step of FMS™. Findings from this research suggest that KT® may improve movement that incorporates a non-weight-bearing segment