Abstract
Introduction. The goal of this research was to determine whether RockTape can produce increases in athletic performance. More specifically, the authors tested whether RockTape application over the quadriceps muscles compared to placebo tape (Elastikon tape) and control would produce increases in velocity when kicking a soccer ball. Background. RockTape is an elastic tape that microscopically lifts the skin away from muscle and fascia to create a decompression effect. The main difference between Kinesiotape and RockTape is adhesive material and fiber count utilized. RockTape has been used in athletics and physical therapy for over a decade without proper research backing the claims and changes in performance when tape is applied. Methods. The study design utilized was a randomized controlled trial, with participants randomly placed into one of three conditions: RockTape, placebo tape, or control (no tape). The population for this study were men and women on the FGCU club soccer teams with a participant pool of 51 participants. Participants were excluded if they had been recently injured or were currently being treated for a lower quarter injury (low back to ankle), which might have impacted their ability to maximally strike a ball. This study included players 18 years and older that were cleared by the medical staff to participate. Every participant went through a standardized warm up prior to data collection to minimize injury risk during maximal kicks. Five baseline and experimental kicks were recorded and averaged for statistical analysis to determine the effect of RockTape vs placebo tape on kick velocity. Upon analysis of the data, it was determined there was no significant effect when applying either RockTape or placebo tape to the anterior thigh of collegiate club soccer players at FGCU. Results. The control group averaged 50.48 mph at baseline, RockTape averaged 51.48 mph at baseline and 50.87 mph when taped, and the placebo group averaged 50.41 mph baseline and 50.77 mph when taped. Discussion. RockTape had a net negative impact on kick velocity while placebo had a net positive impact on kick velocity in our participant pool, however, neither were statistically significant compared to control data. While there were no significant results found during this study, several limitations were observed that may have impacted the data and should be discussed. Some of these limitations include: lack of proper adhesion of the RockTape to players thighs, angle of the ball crossing the path of the radar gun, other muscles and technical skills affecting kick mechanics, and surface area coverage by the RockTape can all impact the resulting kick velocity. Conclusion. The use of RockTape over the quadriceps on the dominant leg did not facilitate an increase ball velocity when kicking a soccer ball. Future study is warranted to account for limitations encountered during this study to determine the true physiological implications for using RockTape.