THE EFFECTS OF KINESIO TAPE ON THROWING VELOCITY AND ACCURACY
IN DIVISION II COLLEGIATE SOFTBALL PLAYERS

By

Francesca R. Formisano, B.S.
Cabrini University

A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of
the Requirements for the Degree of Masters of Science in Exercise Science
to the office of Graduate and Extended Studies
of East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania

August 9, 2019

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ABSTRACT
A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master
of Science in Exercise Science to the Office of Graduate and Extended Studies of East
Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania.
Student’s Name: Francesca R. Formisano
Title: The Effects of Kinesio Tape on Throwing Velocity and Accuracy in Division II
Softball Players
Date of Graduation: August 9, 2019
Thesis Chairperson: Matthew Miltenberger, Ph.D.
Thesis Member: Shala Davis, Ph.D.
Thesis Member: Gavin Moir, Ph.D.
Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Kinesio Tape on throwing
velocity, accuracy and range of motion looking at maximum external rotation and the
angle of ball release with scapular stabilization. There is little research that looks at
Kinesio Tape, female athletes and the dynamic movement of overhead throwing. 9
female NCAA Division II softball players participated in this study. Athletes were
randomly assigned to the control group (no Kinesio Tape) or the experimental group
(Kinesio Tape) at their first testing session. Each acted as their own control and
performed 15 overhead throws, 20 feet from a target each session following a dynamic
warmup. There was a 1.45mph increase in throwing velocity from the control, 47.76mph
to 49.21 in the experimental group, but no statistically significant difference. There was a
92.78 point increase in throwing accuracy from the control, 81.11 points to 173.83 in the
experimental group, but no statistically significant difference. There was a 6.37° increase
in maximum external rotation from the control, 79.74 to 86.11 in the experimental
group, but no statistically significant difference. There was a 1.17 increase in the angle
of ball release from the control, 148.68 to 149.85 in the experimental group, but no
statistically significant difference. In conclusion, there was an increase in throwing
velocity and accuracy with the addition of Kenisio Tape, although not a statistical
difference, it does show practical improvements in athletic performance in game play.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES……………………………………………………………………...V
LIST OF FIGURES……………………………………………………………………..VI
Chapter
I.

INTRODUCTION………………………………………………………………...1
Introduction………………………………………………………………………..1
Purpose…………………………………………………………………………….8
Hypothesis…………………………………………………………………………8
Limitations………………………………………………………………………...8
Delimitations………………………………………………………………..……..8
Operational Definitions……………………………………………………..……..9

II.

LITERATURE REVIEWS………………………………………………………10
Overhead Throwing……………………………………………………………...10
Roles of the Scapula……………………………………………………………..10
Kinesio Tape……………………………………………………………………..11
Velocity/Accuracy……………………………………………………………….12
Join Angle - Maximum External Rotation/Ball Release……………...…………14

III.

METHODOLOGY………………………………………………………………15
Athletes…………………………………………………………………………..15
Design……………………………………………………………………………16
Procedures………………………………………………………………………..17
Instruments……………………………………………………………………….19
Warm-up…………………………………………………………………………19

IV

Data Analysis…………………………………………………………………….20
IV.

RESULTS………………………………………………………………………..21
Velocity…………………………………………………………………………..21
Accuracy………………………………………………………………...….……23
Maximum External Rotation/Ball Release………………………...…………….24

V.

DISCUSSION……………………………………………………………………28

APPENDICES………………………………………………………………….………..36
A. IRB Approval………………………………………………………………..36
B. Informed Consent……………………………………………………………37
C. PAR-Q……………………………………………………………………….38
REFERENCES…………………………………………………………………………..39

V

LIST OF TABLES

Table
1. Athlete Demographics………………………………………...………….……………21
2. Velocities for ach athlete……………………………………………………….….......22
a. Means Table for Velocity...…………………………………………….……..23
b. Significance Table for Velocity………………………………....…………….23
3. Accuracies for each athlete…………………………………………………………….24
a. Means Table for Accuracy……………….……………………………………24
b. Significance Table for Accuracy……………………………………………...24
4. Maximum External Rotation for each athlete………………………………………….26
a. Means Table for Maximum External Rotation………………………………..26
b. Significance Table for Maximum External Rotation………………….………26
5. Ball Release Angles for each athlete…………………………………………………...27
a. Means Table for Ball Release…………………….……………………………27
b. Significance Table for Accuracy…………………….………………………...27

VI

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure
1. Phases of Throwing…………………….………………….………………………………2
2. Movements of the Scapula…….…………………………………………...……………...6
3. Taping Technique………………………………………………………………………..19
4. Average Velocities Chart………………………………....……………………………...22
5. Average Accuracy Chart…………………………………………………………………24
6. Average Maximum External Rotation Chart……………………………………...……..26
7. Average Ball Release Angle Chart…………………………………………...………….27

VII

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

Introduction
The act of overhead throwing is one that endures many kinetic adaptations to its
athletes which may become problematic as the overhead throw sequence encompasses
multidirectional movements with excessive physiological forces on many
musculoskeletal units (Neil, Bakshi, and Freehold T. Michael, 2018).
Musculoskeletal units involved include:
• Deltoid
•

Supraspinatus

•

Infraspinatus

•

Trunk

•

Scapula

•

Elbow joint

•

Humerus

•

Subscapularis

•

Pectoralis Major

•

Latissimus Dorsi

1

•

Biceps

•

Brachialis

•

Glenohumeral joint

(Neil, Bakshi, and Freehold T. Michael, 2018).
Success of any overhead throwing sport like softball, from a defensive standpoint
comes from two main attributes of overhead throwing, velocity and accuracy. Both of
these attributes can be improved by incorporating strength training, flexibility training or
even with the aid of an external tactile cue such as Kinesio Tape ®.
Overhead throwing is broken down into six phases through which the
biomechanics of overhead throwing can be assessed; wind-up, early cocking, late
cocking, acceleration, deceleration, follow-through (Neil, Bakshi, and Freehold T.
Michael, 2018).

Figure 1: Phases of throwing. Adapted from Neil, Bakshi, and Freehold T. Michael, 2018

Wind-up
Begins as the lead leg begins to move until it reaches its highest point, lower extremities
then begin to prepare to stabilize the body as the energy from the upper body is
transferred through the center of mass, over the back leg to generate the most momentum
where the risk of injury to the shoulder is relatively low (Neil, Bakshi, and Freehold T.
Michael, 2018).

2

Early Cocking
Begins, as the wind-up ends, at the point where the lead leg is at its highest until the point
at which the lead leg touches down on the mound. In the early cocking phase, there is a
large amount of stability, balance and control needed by the trunk of the body as the lead
leg is in stride. During the late portion of the early cocking phase, before we move into
the late cocking phase, the deltoid, supraspinatus and infraspinatus are activated – this
allows for external rotation of the shoulder (Neil, Bakshi, and Freehold T. Michael,
2018).
Late cocking
Occurs when the lead foot touches down on the mound through the point of maximal
external rotation of the throwing arm where there is retraction of the scapula, elbow joint
flexion, and abduction and external rotation of the humerus. There is then eccentric
contraction of the subscapularis, pectoralis major and the latissimus dorsi that act as a
stabilizing force for the anterior portion of the glenohumeral joint as the shoulder reaches
maximal external rotation (Neil, Bakshi, and Freehold T. Michael, 2018).
Acceleration
As the glenohumeral joint undergoes hyperexternal rotation this allows for the
accelerating forces to have a greater elastic energy transfer to the ball which then in-turn
means greater velocity on the ball. The time at which maximal external rotation is
reached and the time the ball is then released is categorized as the acceleration phase. At
this point in the throwing sequence, there is now protraction of the scapula as the
subscapularis, pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi are all in full activation to adduct and
internally rotate the humerus (Neil, Bakshi, and Freehold T. Michael, 2018).

3

Deceleration
This is considered to be the most violent of the sequence as it includes subsequent
loading of the joint while throwing. There is subsequent eccentric force placed on the
posterior rotator cuff along with biceps and brachialis activity to rapidly slow the elbow
as it is extending and any excess energy that is not transferred through the ball is placed
on the glenohumeral joint. This phase occurs from the point of release of the ball to
maximal humeral internal rotation (Neil, Bakshi, and Freehold T. Michael, 2018).
Follow-Through
This is last and final phase of the throwing sequence where body weight is transferred
forward and the arm continues to swing down and then ends movement (Neil, Bakshi,
and Freehold T. Michael, 2018).
The deceleration phase is considered the most dangerous and violate phase due to
the greatest amount of joint loading and excessive distraction and shear forces placed on
the glenohumeral joint. Any energy that is not transferred through the ball is displaced
through the shoulder creating significant eccentric loading of the posterior rotator cuff
(Neil, Bakshi, and Freehold T. Michael, 2018). The early, late-cocking, acceleration and
the deceleration phase are the four phases that are seen to have the highest risk of injury
due to the elevation of the humerus (Kristin, M. E., et.al).
Proper scapular motion is crucial for normal shoulder mechanics which is
believed to be a large determinant of how the glenohumeral joint will function during the
overhead throw (Kristin, M. E., et.al). It is also important to look at movement of the
humerus when assessing proper scapulohumeral rhythm, if the ratio of movement is
proportional in humoral elevation with scapular upward rotation. Adaptive and altered

4

scapular kinematics is known as “scapular dykinesis” and is mainly seen to be the cause
of most shoulder injuries. This alteration in kinematics can be seen with the fatigue,
impingement and instability that come with overuse and participation in overhead sports
(Forthomme, B., Crielaard, J., & Croisier, J., 2008).
As the scapula externally, upwardly rotates and posteriorly tilts, the humorous
externally rotates to elevate the arm and allow for maximal clearance in the subacromial
space of the head of the humorous.
When it comes to physical activity and overhead throwing, the scapula is
important for four main roles:
1) To move in conjunction to the humerus (scapulohumoral rhythm)
2) The movement of the scapula will adapt to the task being performed by moving
along the thoracic wall
3) To elevate the acromion, to clear it out of the path of the rotator cuff to possibly
decrease any potential impingement or compression
4) To link the energy and force transfer from proximal to distal
(Forthomme, B., Crielaard, J., & Croisier, J., 2008)
As the scapula provides a large, stable base for the regulation of forces proximal
to distal, the fourth role may be the largest contributor to the study at hand as we measure
velocity with the addition of Kinesio Tape to the supporting muscles of the scapula. The
Institutional Society of Biomechanics describes scapular kinematics as tilting in the
sagittal plane, upward/downward rotation in the frontal plane, internal
(protraction)/external (retraction) rotation in the transverse plane and

5

elevation/depression in a transition motion along the thoracic wall as shown in Figure 2
(Forthomme, B., Crielaard, J., & Croisier, J., 2008). In those who perform repeated
overhead throwing, proper scapular kinematics are believed to be the most important
factor of how the glenohumeral joint functions (Kristin, M. E., et.al).

Figure 2: Movements of the scapula about the x, y and z axis (Forthomme, B., Crielaard, J., & Croisier, J., 2008).

In looking at scapular motion during sports activity, professional baseball players
were seen to have a greater degree of scapular rotation on the throwing side with a shift
in upward rotation which may be a functional kinematic adaptation during overhead
throwing. Electromagnetic tracking was used to assess scapular plane humeral elevation.
As the results showed, a group of 21 throwing athletes were matched with 21 control
athletes that showed increased upward rotation and retraction of the scapula during
humeral elevation in healthy throwing athletes which is important to keep the shoulder
healthy as it follows the third role of the scapula as previously stated, raising the
acromion and preventing impingement, along with no difference in anterior/posterior tilt
or elevation/depression (Forthomme, B., Crielaard, J., & Croisier, J., 2008).
It has been shown, that with fatigue of the shoulder muscles, comes alterations in
the normal throwing pattern and scapulohumeral rhythm which is commonly linked with

6

most injuries. Following different fatiguing protocols, it is still unsure if the changes in
the scapula’s motion are directly related to muscle alteration or if it is more of a
compensative effect of the scapulothoracic muscles that act to stabilize the scapula. This
is important to think about as when referenced back, the decoration phase of an overhead
throw is the most problematic when it comes to injury potential. Having weakness in the
musculature that holds the scapula in its place, becomes problematic as the force that is
being transferred proximal to distal as referenced earlier as the fourth role of the scapula,
is far greater than the weak muscles can withstand which is when we see injuries. Being
that there are 17 different muscles that do attach to the scapula, it is very important to
strengthen all and maintain flexibility evenly so there is no abnormal compensation
which may lead to further dyskinesis (Forthomme, B., Crielaard, J., & Croisier, J., 2008).
“The Kinesio Taping Method is designed to facilitate the body’s natural healing
process while allowing support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting the
body’s range of motion.” Kinesio Tapes four main purposes are to aid in the reduction of
swelling and inflammation, provide support in muscle elasticity, allow for lymphatic
drainage and to aid in joint stability (KINESIO). Kinesio Tape® was created by Dr.
Kenzo Kase, who has a background in chiropractic and acupuncture, in the 1970s as a
way to assist his elderly patents in keeping their repositioned joints in place in a safer
way that traditional tape. Through trial and error, a flexible, waterproof, lightweight tape
was developed that would mimic the elasticity of human skin while providing additive
support that would not diminish with overuse like traditional tape (About Us).
Due to the various types of possible injuries attributed with the complexities of
overhead throwing, some external intervention may be taken with the use of Kinesio

7

Tape®. The Kinesio Tape® method used as seen in Figure 3, as a way to provide
stability to the scapula as velocity, accuracy and range of motion is measured to test if the
addition of the tape has any effect on any of the three variables.
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Kinesio Tape® on
velocity, accuracy and range of motion in NCAA Division II collegiate softball players at
East Stroudsburg University using two throwing protocols; no tape as the control and
Kinesio Tape® as the experimental condition.
Hypothesis
There will be no difference in accuracy between the control (no tape condition)
and the experimental (Kinesio Tape®) condition.
There will be no difference in velocity between the control (no tape condition)
and the experimental (Kinesio Tape®) condition.
There will be no difference in maximum external rotation between the control (no
tape condition) and the experimental (Kinesio Tape®) condition.
There will be no difference in ball release angle between the control (no tape
condition) and the experimental (Kinesio Tape®) condition.

Limitations
•

Athlete dropout due to injury/muscle soreness due to practice and game schedules

•

Motivation of the athletes to perform well

•

Throwing mechanics differ from athlete to athlete

Delimitations
•

NCAA Division II rostered East Stroudsburg University softball players

8

•

College age females 18-23

•

Athletes whom are free from injury

Operational Definitions
•

Kinesio Taping – specific taping technique used to promote muscle activation of
the shoulder girdle.

•

Ball Velocity – highest measured velocity of the ball

•

Accuracy – the ability of the athlete to hit a bullseye shaped target with a softball

•

Range of Motion – measured at the shoulder joint, specifically external rotation of
the glenohumeral joint was measured

9

CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of Kinesio Tape on throwing
velocity and accuracy while also addressing its effects on the angle of the glenohumeral
joint maximum external rotation, measured at the point in the late cocking phase at the
point when the lead leg makes contact with the ground, before the center of mass begins
to shift to the lead leg, along with the angle at ball release. This chapter will cover the
literature reviewed for reference information along with comparing and contrasting the
literature to the current study.
Overhead Throwing
Overhead throwing is a multidirectional movement with excessive physiological
forces and involves multiple joints in-which success comes from a combination of
velocity and accuracy. As stated and shown previously in Figure 1, there are six phases
of the overhead throwing sequence; wind-up, early cocking, late cocking, acceleration,
deceleration and follow through.

10

Roles of the Scapula
From the review by Forthomme, Crielaard, and Croisier in 2008, it is described
that there are four main roles for the scapula function into the shoulder. The first and
primary role being that the scapula moves in conjuncture with the humerus, keeping the
scapulohumoral rhythm within the physiological pattern through the full range of motion
of the glenohumoral joint. The muscles of the rotator cuff allow for proper positioning of
the glenoid to allow for optimal stabilization during dynamics movements such as the
overhead throw. The second role of the scapula is that the movement of the scapula will
adapt to the task being performed by moving along the thoracic wall, meaning that it will
adapt to the forces being applied during any type of upper extremity movement. The third
role of the scapula is to elevate the acromion, to clear it out of the path of the rotator cuff
to possibly decrease any potential impingement or compression. Professional baseball
players showed a greater degree of scapular rotation in their throwing shoulder which
may be seen as an adaptation to ensure the maintenance of the subacromial space which
supports the second and third role of the scapula. The fourth role of the scapula is that it
serves as the main link in the proximal to distal transfer of energy and velocity during
shoulder functions. The scapula provides a sturdy and stable base for regulation of forces
(Forthomme, B., Crielaard, J., & Croisier, J., 2008).
Kinesio Tape
In a study by Shaheen, A. F., Villa, C., Lee, Y., Bull, A. M., & Alexander, C. M.
(2013), it was shown that in 13 healthy overhead athletes, that were asked to perform
movements in the sagittal and scapular plane under two different conditions (taping and
no taping), the taping did improve scapular external upward rotation along with posterior

11

tilt when elevating the arm in the sagittal plane and improved scapular external rotation in
the scapular plane. With these results, it shows that taping could be used at preventive
measures but results were only measured in two planes of motions where the results may
vary for other planes (Shaheen, A. F., Villa, C., Lee, Y., Bull, A. M., & Alexander, C.
M.,2013).
In a study by Cools, A. M., Witvrouw, E. E., Danneels, L. A., & Chambier, D. C.
(2002) that looked at the influence of taping on muscle activity using electromyography.
As stated, there is little research done on the muscle activity of the scapular rotators using
taping, as taping is most commonly used to aid in instability and impingement
rehabilitation. In this study, it was not mentioned as to what taping technique was used
but tape was applied to three parts of the trapezius and the serratus anterior as the muscles
worked through dynamic full range of motion abduction and forward flexion. The results
of this study showed that there was no significant difference with the application of tape
on EMG activity but is stated that this information does provide a platform for further
research to look at different proprioceptive changes that may affect muscle activation
with the application of a tape. This provides the gap to investigate taping the supporting
and stabilizing muscles of the scapula (Cools, A. M., Witvrouw, E. E., Danneels, L. A.,
& Chambier, D. C., 2002).
Velocity/Accuracy
Muscular strength is a key component in sports like handball and soccer with
accuracy and velocity of both kicking and throwing determining performance of the
athlete. In a study by Muller, the purpose being to evaluate the effects of Kinesiotape
application on ball velocity and accuracy in 26 amateur soccer players and 32 amateur

12

handball players at different distances from the target. With the application of tape in
soccer players, the results show that there was a significant increase in ball speed in
soccer players along with accuracy from a shorter distance. When looking at ball velocity
in handball players, throws significantly increased in speed while accuracy decreased
from a greater distance from the target. The gain in ball velocity in amateur handball
players may be at the expense of accuracy (Muller C., Brandes M., 2015). This article
supports the addition of Kinesiotape to increase throwing velocity in handball players
using a technique that supported the subscapularis while disagreeing with the use of this
method to increase throwing accuracy.
In previous research on Kinesio Tape and the shoulder joint, it focuses mainly on
static movements and muscle activities but does not focus on dynamic movements like
overhead throwing and the movements that are involved in archery. Archery is unique in
the aspect that it requires a static and stable front arm to stabilize the bow but also a
dynamic pull from the back arm to shoot the arrow. Similar to the overhead throw, there
are six phases of shooting; bow hold, drawing, full draw, aiming, release and then follow
through. It is important for archers to create back tension in order to perform all these
movements without losing sight of the target. Again, similar to baseball, the main
muscles that create tension in the back are the major and minor rhomboids, levator
scapula, trapezius and latissimus dorsi. The purpose of this study was to investigate how
four weeks of training with the addition of Kinesio Tape effected shooting accuracy.
From 18 meters away, archers performed ten series of three shots. There was a
statistically significant difference between the pre and post test scores showing that

13

training for four weeks with the addition of Kinesio Tape on the shoulder does increase
shooting accuracy in young archers.
Joint Angle - Maximum External Rotation/Ball Release
In a study by Miyashita, K., et al., passive external rotation, maximum external
rotation during the performance of a throw along with the ratio of the two measures were
evaluated to identify the relationship to elbow injury. Two groups of 20 high school
baseball players (20 with medial elbow pain in the past 2 months but not on the day of
testing, 20 with no previous elbow pain) were recruited for the study. Given the excess
demand of the sport, it is known that medial elbow pain is linked to the repetitive stresses
and overuse syndromes.
From the review by Neil, and Freehold in 2018, as seen in Figure 1, as the athlete
moves from the late cocking phase, to the acceleration phase, the forearm remains back
leading to increased valgus stress and is thought to be the leading cause of elbow injury.
This may be due to the torque required to bring the arm from its point of maximum
external rotation to transition it forward into the acceleration phase. Results of the
Miyashita, K., et al., study show that those in the elbow-injured group showed greater
amounts of valgus stress in the elbow which may be associated with the medial elbow
pain experienced by the athletes. A limitation mentioned in this study was the difference
in throwing mechanics that may have been adapted by those with previous injury versus
those without and these findings may be due to other range of motion restrictions.

14

CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of Kinesio Tape on throwing
velocity and accuracy while also addressing its effects on the angle of the glenohumeral
joint maximum external rotation, measured at the point in the late cocking phase at the
point when the lead leg makes contact with the ground, before the center of mass begins
to shift to the lead leg, along with the angle at ball release. This chapter will cover the
methodology of the current study. None of the athletes who participated in this study
have had previous experience with this technique of taping.
Athletes
12 athletes were asked to participate in the study, but there athlete drop out was
experienced due to injury during the season in which one athlete injured her shoulder,
another sprained their ankle and the third sprained their wrist. 9 rostered members of the
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II, East Stroudsburg
University (ESU) softball team were recruited to participate in this study.
Inclusion Criteria:
•

College-ages females

•

Rostered member of the ESU softball team (NCAA Division II)
15

•

Free from upper extremity injury in the past 6 months

•

Willingness to participate

Exclusion Criteria:
•

Any preexisting injury that may become exacerbated or made worse with
participation

•

Pitchers were excluded from the recruitment as their adaptive musculature is
different from those who are habitual overhead throwers like other positional
players.

Design
The design of the study is randomized and counterbalanced. Each athlete will act
as their own control which is an advantage of this study. Two taping protocols were
assessed, the control being no taping application and the experimental group, receiving
the taping application using Kinesio Tape. All testing occurred over two testing sessions.
Assignment of the protocol was randomly assigned as the athletes arrived for the first
testing session. Athletes participated in three sets of five throws with two minutes of rest
between sets and about ten seconds between throws. Athletes were instructed to a starting
point that was 20 feet from the target. Video recording was used throughout the duration
of the testing session in order to asses accuracy.
Accuracy was measured using a target with concentric circles with different point
values assigned to each circle. The highest point value of 25 points were given if the
athlete hit the smallest center circle, 10 points were given if the athlete hit the second
middle circle, 5 points were given if the athlete hit the third and largest circle and 0 points
were given if the athlete missed any of the three circles. Video recordings were assessed
16

following each testing session to evaluate the points each athlete obtained and averaged
out per athlete.
Velocity of the ball was measured using a radar gun pointed at the target from the
side of the athlete. Velocities were recorded following each throw and the average
velocity was found following each testing session for each athlete.
Maximum external rotation was measured using DartFish video analysis to place
markers on the center of the shoulder and the medial point of the wrist at the point of
maximum external rotation when the throwing arm is extended fully behind the body, as
the lead leg makes contact with the ground, before the center of mass begins to shift to
the lead leg. The angle of the arm at ball release was measured at the point that the athlete
released the ball toward the target and measurements were taken from the center of the
shoulder joint to the lateral point of the wrist. Angles were recorded and averaged for
each athlete.
Procedure
Approval from the East Stroudsburg University Institutional Review Board (IRB)
was obtained for this study, APPENDIX A. Taping is applied by the same Certified
Athletic Trainor to ensure validity and reliability. Athletes received an informed consent,
APPENDIX B, PAR-Q, APPENDIX C, at recruitment session to bring with them to the
first testing session and must have passed the Athletic Training physical. Athlete height
and weight measurements were obtained from the Athletic Training files.
The athletes were asked to wear black spandex pants, a black spandex long sleeve
shirt and a black sports bra or camisole. Athletes participated in a warm-up protocol prior
to any application of taping or markers. The taping technique was explained to the

17

athletes pre-taping and tape was applied by a female Certified Athletic Trainer to help the
athletes feel more comfortable along with having the option to have the tape applied in
the privacy of the restroom.
When the athlete was participating in the taping protocol, they were asked to be in
the sports bra or camisole then the taped was applied first. They were instructed to
replace their spandex long sleeve shirt then the Vicon markers were applied and those
who were in the control group that did not receive the taping application and only had the
application of the Vicon markers, following the warm-up. Athletes performed a series of
three trials of five throws with two minutes of rest between trials.
Two strips of pre-cut tape were used for this study. The athlete is standing and in
slight retraction of the shoulder blades. Reference points were marked at the
acromioclavicular joint of the throwing arm, the inferior angle of the scapula, and then
another in line with the previous two markers, just lateral to the spine, on the same side.
The first strip of tape is anchored to the skin with no stretch at the reference point closest
to the spine and stretched at 25% and angled toward the reference point at the inferior
angle of the scapula. The end of the tape is placed down with no stretch or tension,
creating another anchor at the top of the strip. The second strip is anchored just above the
first strip, and stretched to 50% and angled toward the reference point at the
acromioclavicular joint. The end of the tape is placed following the same steps as the
first, with no stretch. Following application of both strips, rubbing the tape creates
friction which is what activates the adhesive of the tape. (Tape, K) Changing posture was
associated with a significant increase in the range of motion in shoulder flexion and
abduction in the scapular plane (Forthomme, B., Crielaard, J., & Croisier, J., 2008).

18

Figure 3: Taping technique as applied by a female Certified Athletic Trainer.

Instruments
•

Radar gun

•

Throwing target

•

Vicon-3D motion analysis camera system

•

Kinesio Tape

•

Official NCAA regulation softball

•

Data collection sheet

•

Computer

Warm-Up Protocol
•

Arm Circles
o Standing upright with arms outstretched, 10 small circles forward, 10 large
circles forward, 5 second rest, 10 small circles backwards, 10 lard circles
backward.

•

Arm Swings
o Standing upright with arms outstretched, swing the arms across the body,
crossing arms in front of the body 10 times
19

•

Shoulder Circles
o Standing upright, just moving the shoulders in a circular motion 10 times
forward, 5 second rest, 10 times backwards

•

Anterior Shoulder Stretch
o Standing upright, hands clasp behind back, slowly lift hands up and away
from the ground, 15 second hold

•

Cross-body Stretch
o Standing upright, one arm laterally across body, pull arm closer to body using
forearm of other arm, 15 second hold
o 5 second rest
o Repeat with other arm, hold for 15 seconds

•

Arm Over Head Stretch
o Standing upright, raise one arm over and behind head, grab elbow of bent arm
with the other arm, pull for 15 seconds
o 5 seconds rest
o Repeat with other arm, hold for 15 seconds

Data Analysis
The first five throws were excluded from data analysis of each athlete for all
variables. Data of the last 10 throws was analyzed with an ANOVA using SPSS
(p=<0.05) to test for statistical significance. Comparisons will be made between the
control and experimental group

20

CHAPTER 4
RESULTS

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of Kinesio Tape on throwing
velocity and accuracy while also addressing its effects on the angle of the glenohumeral
joint maximum external rotation, measured at the point in the late cocking phase at the
point when the lead leg makes contact with the ground, before the center of mass begins
to shift to the lead leg, along with the angle at ball release. This chapter will cover the
specific results for each variable analyzed; velocity, accuracy, maximum external rotation
and the humeral angle at ball release.

Table 1: The athletes height, weight and class rank (1=freshman, 2=sophomore, 3=junior, 4=senior)

Velocity
Velocity is defined as the rate of change of position of an object in motion, taking
the distance divided by the amount of time it takes from and object to get from its starting
position to its end position (Biomechanics Definitions), in the case of the current study,

21

how long it takes for the ball to reach the target once it is released from the athletes hand.
As seen in Figure 4, although there was a slight increase in speed, there was no
statistically significance difference in velocity (p=0.480) between the control and
experimental group. Although there was no statistical significance, the increase in
velcoity can be seen as practically significant in terms of athletic performance in the sport
of softball. Six of the nine athletes saw improvement in their throwing velocity,
exceeding the smallest worth-while change (.942mph).

Average Velocity (mph)
50
49.5
49
48.5
48
47.5
47
46.5
46

49.21
47.76

Control

Experiment

Figure 4: The average velocity of the control (left), 47.76 miles per hour and the experimental (right), 49.2 miles per
hour (right) group.

Table 2: The average velocities of each athlete. Six out of nine athletes saw improvements in throwing velocity with
the application of Kinesio Tape.

22

2a.
2b.

Table 2a: The means table for velocity. For the control group, the group that did not receive the taping protocol, n=9
with a mean of 47.76mph +4.71mph. For the experimental group, the group who received the taping protocol, n=9 with
a mean of 49.21 points +3.77mph.
Table 2b. Significance Table for velocity. There was no statically significant difference (p=0.480) between the control
and the experimental group with an F value of 0.523, a mean square of 9.534 and a smallest worth-while change of
0.942 mph.

Accuracy
Accuracy in this study is defined as how close the ball that was thrown from 20
feet away was to hitting the center of the designated target. Athletes were given a hanging
target with a red circle in the middle and two wider white rings around it and were
instructed to aim for the center. Points were awarded in conjecture with the area on the
target that was hit with each throw, 25 being the center, 10 for the second circle, 5 for the
third circle and 0 if their throw hit outside the third circle. As seen in Figure 5, when
looking at the increase in accuracy by point value, there was no statically significant
difference (p=0.092) between the control and the experimental group. Although there was
no statistical significance, the increase in accuracy can be seen as practically significant
in terms of athletic performance in the sport of softball. Six of the nine athletes saw
improvement in their throwing accuracy, exceeding the smallest worth-while change
(11.28 points).

23

Average Accuracy
250
200
150
173.89
100
50

81.11

0
Cotnrol

Experiment

Figure 5: The average accuracy of the control (left), 81.11 points and experimental (right), 173.89 points group.

Table 3: The average accuracies of each athlete. Six out of nine athletes saw improvement in throwing accuracy with
the application of Kinesio Tape.
3a.
3b.

Table 3a: The means table for accuracy. For the control group, the group that did not receive the taping protocol, n=9
with a mean of 81.11 points +56.39 points. For the experimental group, the group who received the taping protocol,
n=9 with a mean of 173.98 points +144.63 points.
Table 3b: The significance table for accuracy. There was no statically significant difference (p=0.092) between the
control and the experimental group with an F value of 3.215, a mean square of 38734.72 and a smallest worth-while
change of 11.28 points.

24

Maximum External Rotation and Ball Release
For this study, maximum external rotation was measured from the point when the
throwing arm is extended fully behind the body, as the lead leg makes contact with the
ground, before the center of mass begins to shift to the lead leg. Measurements using
DartFish were taken from the center of the shoulder joint to the medial point of the wrist.
The angle of the arm at ball release was measured at the point that the athlete released the
ball toward the target and measurements were taken from the center of the shoulder joint
to the lateral point of the wrist. Although there was an increase in joint angle, there was
no statistically significant difference (p=0.621) in maximum humeral external rotation,
Figure 6, along with the angle of the glenohumeral joint at ball release (p=0.732), Figure
7. Four of eight athletes saw increases in maximum external rotation, exceeding the
smallest worth-while change for maximum external rotation (4.058°). Four of eight
athletes saw increases in the angle of ball release although these results did not exceed
the smallest worth-while change (1.30°). Although previously mentioned in the study by
Miyashita. et al. that excessive maximum external rotation may lead to potential medial
elbow pain, the difference between groups does not greatly exceed the amount of
maximum external rotation seen in their study between groups with and without medial
elbow pain showing that although there was an increase in maximum external rotation, it
is not a direct cause of the Kinesio Tape.

25

Average Maximum External
Rotation
90
88
86
84
82
80
78
76
74
72

86.11°
79.74°

Control

Experiment

Figure 6: The average angle of the glenohumeral joint at maximum humeral external rotation of the control (left),
79.74 and experimental (right), 86.11 group.

Table 4: The average maximum external rotation angles of each athlete. Four of the eight athletes saw improvements
in maximum external rotation with the application of Kinesio Tape.
4a.
4b.

Table 4a: The means table for maximum external rotation. For the control group, the group that did not receive the
taping protocol, n=8 with a mean angle of 80.25°+20.29°. For the experimental group, the group who received the
taping protocol, n=9 with a mean angle of 86.11°+26.72°.
Table 4b: the significance table for maximum external rotation. There was no significant difference in joint angle
(p=0.621) at maximum external rotation between the control and experimental group with an F value of 0.255, a mean
squared of 145.845° and a smallest worth-while change of 4.058°.

26

Averave Ball Release
150.5
150
149.5

149.85°

149
148.5

148.68°

148
147.5
Control

Experiment

Figure 7: The average angle of the glenohumeral joint at ball release of the control (left), 148.86 and experimental
(right), 149.85 group.

Table 5: The average ball release angles of each athlete.
5a.
5b.

Table 5a: The means table for ball release. For the control group, the group that did not receive the taping protocol,
n=8 with a mean angle of 148.68°+ 6.50°. For the experimental group, the group who received the taping protocol, n=9
with a mean angle of 149.85°+ 7.31°.
Table 5b: The significance table for ball release. There was no significant difference in joint angle (p=0.732) at ball
release between the control and experimental group, with an F value of 0.122 and a mean squared of 5.869.

27

CHAPTER 5
DISCUSSION

Success of any overhead throwing sport, like softball, from a defensive standpoint
comes from two main attributes, throwing velocity and accuracy. Knowing that overhead
throwing is a strong dynamic movement that endures many kinetic adaptations along with
physiological forces all many different directions simultaneously, if not exceptional,
these attributes can be detrimental to the performance and health of an athlete. While
both velocity and accuracy can be improved by incorporating strength training, flexibility
training, potentially introducing an external stimulus or cue like Kinesio Tape may also
be beneficial to enhancing performance. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the
effects of Kinesio Tape on throwing velocity and accuracy while also addressing its
effects on the angle of the glenohumeral joint maximum external rotation, measured at
the point in the late cocking phase at the point when the lead leg makes contact with the
ground, before the center of mass begins to shift to the lead leg, along with the angle at
ball release. Kinesio Tape was created by Dr. Kenzo Kase who has a background in
chiropractic and acupuncture in the 1970s as a way to assist his elderly patents in keeping
their repositioned joints in place in a safer way that traditional tape. Through trial and

28

error, a flexible, waterproof, lightweight tape was developed that would mimic the
elasticity of human skin while providing additive support that would not diminish with
overuse like traditional tape. There are four main purposed of Kinesio Tape, to aid in the
reduction of swelling and inflammation, provide support in muscle elasticity, allow for
lymphatic drainage and to aid in joint stability (About Us). As stated by Cools, A. et. al,
some studies suggest that along with providing actual stability, taping can be seen to have
a proprioceptive effect proposing that the traction on the skin or the pressure of the tape
provides sensory cues that provides additional input into the central nervous system.
When looking at previous research using Kinesio Tape, it was very limited when
it came to a dynamic motion like overhead throwing. A lot of the research was looking at
electromyographical data of which muscles were active at what point of the overhead
throw. Although this data did not directly look at the effects of Kinesio Tape, this
research laid a foundation and a direction as to what taping technique was to be used for
this study, as stated previously that providing stability is one of the main purposes of
Kinesio Tape.
Overhead throwing is broken down into six phases; wind-up, early cocking, late
cocking, acceleration, deceleration, follow-through. The wind-up phase begins with the
initial movement of the lead leg until it is at its highest elevation. This allows the kegs to
prepare a stable base for energy transfer and creating momentum. The early cocking
phase begins once the lead leg is at its highest point and ends when the lead leg lands on
the pitching mound or ground. During this phase, the deltoid, supraspinatus and
infraspinatus activate to externally rotate the shoulder. The late cocking phase is when the
lead foot contacts the mound or ground and there is maximum external rotation of the

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throwing shoulder. During the late cocking phase, the scapula retracts, the elbow flexes
and the humerus abducts and undergoes extreme maximum external rotation. On top of
the scapula retracting, elbow flexing and humeral abduction, the subscapularis, pectoralis
major and latissimus dorsi eccentrically contract as the shoulder approaches maximum
external rotation. As the shoulder is approaching maximum external rotation, it is
preparing to provide a stabilizing anterior force for the glenohumeral joint but as shown
in an article by Miyashita, K., et al., increased maximum external rotation has been
shown as a cause for medial elbow pain (Neil, Bakshi, and Freehold T. Michael, 2018).
Insufficient upward rotation of the scapula causes a lack of necessary acromial elevation
during overhead shoulder motion such as throwing may contribute to secondary
subacromial impingement (Cools, A. M., Witvrouw, E. E., Danneels, L. A., & Chambier,
D. C., 2002).
The acceleration phase is from the point of maximum external rotation of the
shoulder to the point of ball release. At this phase, the scapula protracts as the humerus
undergoes horizontal adduction and internal rotation. Subscapularis, pectoralis major and
latissimus dorsi reach maximum activity to produce internal rotation of the humerus.
Early in this phase, as the throwing arm is moving forward, yet the hand has stayed back
and hasn’t moved through the final stages, it is known as “lagging”. The deceleration
phase is from ball release to maximum humeral internal rotation and elbow extension.
This is considered the most dangerous phase of the overhead throw when it comes to
potential for injury. Any energy that is not displaced through the ball is transferred
through the shoulder creating significant eccentric loading of the posterior rotator cuff.
The final stage of the overhead throwing sequence, the follow-through, is the body

30

continuing to move forward with the arm after releasing the ball until it has stopped its
motion (Neil, Bakshi, and Freehold T. Michael, 2018).
In looking at scapular motion during sports activity, professional baseball players
were seen to have a greater degree of scapular rotation on the throwing side with a shift
in upward rotation which may be a functional kinematic adaptation during overhead
throwing. Electromagnetic tracking was used to assess scapular plane humeral elevation.
As the results showed, a group of 21 throwing athletes were matched with 21 control
athletes that showed increased upward rotation and retraction of the scapula during
humeral elevation in healthy throwing athletes which is important to keep the shoulder
healthy as it follows the third role of the scapula as previously stated, raising the
acromion and preventing impingement, along with no difference in anterior/posterior tilt
or elevation/depression (Forthomme, B., Crielaard, J., & Croisier, J., 2008).
With fatigue of the shoulder muscles comes alterations in the normal throwing
pattern and scapulohumeral rhythm which is commonly linked with most injuries.
Weakness of the scapular musculature will affect normal scapular positioning which
could leave to muscular imbalances in throwing athletes. This usually consists of
overcompensation of the scapular elevators leading to tension overload and increased
stress leading to greater instability(Cools, A. M., Witvrouw, E. E., Danneels, L. A., &
Chambier, D. C., 2002). In the 42 athletes mentioned from Forthomme, B., et.al.,
following different fatiguing protocols, it is unsure if the changes in the scapula’s motion
are directly related to muscle alterations or if it is cumulative effect of the scapular
stabilizers and knowing this is important when we think about the deceleration phase of
the throwing sequence being the most problematic when it comes to potential for injury.

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Being that there are 17 different muscles that do attach to the scapula, it is very important
to strengthen all and maintain flexibility evenly so there is no abnormal compensation
which may lead to further dyskinesis (Forthomme, B., Crielaard, J., & Croisier, J., 2008).
When it comes to physical activity and overhead throwing the scapula play a part
in four main roles, the first being to move in conjuncture to the humerus and follow
normal scapulohumeral rhythm. In a review by Forthomme, B., this allows the humeral
head to follow the normal physiological pattern through full range of motion and allows
the muscles of the rotator cuff to provide optimal stabilization. The second main role of
the scapula is that the scapula will adapt to the task being performed by moving along the
thoracic wall. The third rule being that it elevates the acromion, to clear it out of the path
of the rotator cuff to possibly decrease any potential impingement or compression. As
seen in a study by Cools, A. et. al., the lack of scapular stability has also been identified
as a cause of secondary subacromial impingement syndrome. The fourth role being that
the scapula serves as a link in the kinetic chain for force and energy transfer from
proximal to distal. As the scapula provides a large, stable base for the regulation of forces
proximal to distal, the fourth role may be the largest contributor to the current study at
hand as we measure velocity with the addition of Kinesio Tape to the supporting muscles
of the scapula.
The scapula provides a stable base for the kinetic chain and energy and force
transfer from proximal to distal and allows any excess forces that are transferred from the
arm to continue through the ball. By introducing a taping technique to improve scapular
stability, it was hypothesized that reducing any excess movement, this will allow less
energy to be lost within the throwing sequence and increase throwing velocity. As seen in

32

a study by Mulazimoglu, O. et.al., the theory that increasing stabilization will increase
velocity, is show to increase shooting accuracy in young archers, by taping the deltoid of
the grasp arm, which is the arm that holds the bow steady.
Results show that there was an increase in throwing velocity from the control
group with no tape application with a mean speed of 47.76 mph and the experimental
group with the tape application with a mean speed of 49.2 mph and a mean increase of
1.45 mph difference. Although there was only a 1.45 mph increase in throwing velocity,
it was not statistically significant. When looking at this result from a practical standpoint,
the increase in throwing velocity exceeded the smallest worth-while change for velocity
(0.942 mph), this increase could potentially be the difference between winning and losing
a game. By increased the velocity of the throw, means the ball could reach the infield
faster from the outfield, or the ball getting to the catcher faster from the infield and
preventing a run from scoring.
In the sport of softball, being able to throw accurately is also just as important as
being able to throw the ball fast. Results show that there was in increase in throwing
accuracy from the control group with no taping application with a mean score of 81.11
points and the experimental group with taping application with a mean score of 173.89
points and a mean difference of 92.78 points. Although there was a somewhat large
increase in points, there was no statistically significant difference in the two groups.
Again, when we look at these results from a practical standpoint, the increase in throwing
accuracy exceeded the smallest worth-while change for accuracy (11.28 points), and
being able to hit their target could also be the difference in winning or losing a game. A
throw could be coming in from the outfield or the infield to the catcher at home and if

33

that throw is too far off target, it causes the catcher to move from the position she was set
in to get the last out, to having to stop the ball from getting lose and creating potentially
more of a problem.
When looking at maximum humeral external rotation, as stated in the study by
Miyashita. et al., an increase in maximum external rotation may lead to increased medial
elbow pain. The results of the current study show that there was an increase in the joint
angle from the control group with a mean of 79.74 and the experimental group with a
mean of 86.11 with a mean difference of 6.37 and there was no statistically significant
difference. These results exceed the smallest worth-while change (4.058°) for maximum
external rotation. When looking at results from both studies, the degree of difference is
marginally different with their mean difference only being 6. Any chance of medial
elbow pain could potentially linked to the age of the athletes where Miyashita. et al,
evaluated high school aged players and this current study evaluated college aged players,
some with four more years of repetitive use. The results of this study show an increase in
the angle of the humerus at ball release from the control group with no taping application
with a mean of 148.68 and the experimental group with taping application with a mean
of 149.85 with a mean difference of 1.17. Although there was an increase in joint angle
at ball release, there was no statistically significant difference in results. These results do
not exceed the smallest worth-while change (1.30°) for ball angle.
Limitations arise during the course of any type of research. The sample size used
is one of the limiting factors for results of this study. There were only 9 athletes eligible
to participate in the study. The sample size may have also be limited by the timing of the
study. The current study was conducted in-season which lead to drop out due to injury,

34

potential fatigue due to game and practice schedule along with effort that the athletes put
into the trials. Only having one taping protocol also is a limitation to the study as there
was no placebo taping session to determine if there was a neuromuscular change due to
the tactile cue or if any differences were due to the actual application of the Kinesio
Tape. Athletes were instructed to throw as hard as they could while also being as accurate
as possible, this led to athletes wanting to beat their original score or speed if it was not
their first testing session along with having other athletes in the room caused some effort
to increase speed while not focusing on the accuracy portion.
When looking at the results from the current study, the addition of Kinesio Tape
did not statistically change athletic performance in regards to throwing velocity,
accuracy, maximum external rotation and the angle of ball release. However, when
looking at each variable from a practical standpoint, the increase in velocity and accuracy
may show an increase in athletic performance as a result of using Kinesio Tape to aid in
scapular stability.

35

APPENDIX A

36

APPENDIX B
CONSENT FORM TO PARTICIPATE IN RESEARCH
The Effects of Kinesio Tape on Throwing Velocity and Accuracy in Division II Colligate Softball
Players Francesca Formisano
Exercise Science Master’s Degree Program
fformisano@live.esu.edu

This study involves your participation in research. The purpose of the research is to analyze the effects of the addition of Kinesio
Tape on throwing velocity and accuracy.
Understand that the results of this study may be published but that all identity will not be revealed. All information will be kept
confidential by Francesca Formisano, the primary investigator and Matthew Miltenberger, the thesis chairperson will be the only
people with access to any confidential records.
There is minimal risk associated with participation in this study as you will be asked to conduct 15 overhead throws. Benefits
include learning more about your throwing velocity and accuracy, along with if the addition of Kinesio Tape may aid in improved
throwing performance.
The research involves you conducting a 5 minute warm-up consisting of dynamic movements along with movements that aid in
mobility. You will be asked to conduct 3 sets of 5 throws with 30 seconds of rest between throws and 2 minutes of rest between sets.
You will be observed using a radar gun, Dartfish application along with the Vicon motion analysis system.
Remember your participation is voluntary and you may stop participation at any time. There is no penalty for not participating or
withdrawing from the research study. There is no compensation for participation. The alternative to participating is not to participate.
Please contact the primary investigator with questions, concerns, or complaints about the research and any research-related injuries by
emailing fformisano@live.esu.edu or the Chair of the Institutional Review Board, Dr. Shala Davis at (570) 422-3336. This research
has been reviewed and approved by East Stroudsburg University Institutional Review Board (IRB).
By signing the following, you give your consent for the primary researcher listed above to use your data in this study. If you wish
to withdraw from this study at any time, simply communicate this to the researcher and your data will be destroyed.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Print Name
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sign Name
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Date

(Detach: Participant gets bottom half)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------The Effects of Kinesio Tape on Throwing Velocity and Accuracy in Division II Colligate Softball
Players Francesca Formisano
Exercise Science Master’s Degree Program
fformisano@live.esu.edu
Please contact the primary investigator with questions, concerns, or complaints about the research and any
research-related injuries by e-mailing fformisano@live.esu.edu or the Chair of the Institutional Review Board, Dr.
Shala Davis at (570) 422-3336. This research has been reviewed and approved by East Stroudsburg University
Institutional Review Board (IRB).

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Primary Researcher Signature
Date

37

APPENDIX C

Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire
(PAR-Q)
Name: _______________________________

Date: __________________

A Questionnaire for People Aged 15 to 69
Regular physical activity is fun and healthy, and more people are starting to become more active every day.
Being more active is very safe for most people. However, some people should check with their doctor before
they start becoming much more physically active. If you are planning to become much more physically
active than you are now, start by answering the seven questions in the box below. If you are between the
ages of 15 and 69, the PAR-Q will tell you if you should check with your doctor before you start. If you are
over 69 years of age and you are not used to being very active, check with your doctor. Common sense is
your best guide when you answer these questions. Please read the questions carefully and answer each
one honestly: check YES or NO.
YES []

NO []

1.

YES []

NO []

2.

YES []

NO []

3.

YES []

NO []

4.

YES []

NO []

5.

YES []

NO []

6.

YES []

NO []

7.

Has your doctor ever said that you have a heart condition and that you should
only do physical activity recommended by a doctor?
Do you feel pain in your chest when you do physical activity?
In the past month, have you had chest pain when you were not doing physical
activity?
Do you lose your balance because of dizziness, or do you ever lose
consciousness?
Do you have a bone or joint problem (for example, back, knee or hip) that could
be made worse by a change in your physical activity?
Is your doctor currently prescribing drugs (for example, water pills) for your blood
pressure or heart condition?
Do you know of any other reason why you should not do physical activity?

If you answered YES to one or more questions:
Talk with your doctor by phone or in person BEFORE you start becoming much more physically active or
BEFORE you have a fitness appraisal. Tell your doctor about the PAR-Q and to which questions you
answered YES. You may be able to do any activity you want – as long as you start slowly and build up
gradually. Or, you may need to restrict your activities to those that are safe for you. Talk with your doctor
about the kinds of activities you wish to participate in and follow his/her advice. Find out which community
programs are safe and helpful for you.
If you answered NO honestly to all PAR-Q questions, you can be reasonably sure that you can:
Start becoming much more physically active – begin slowly and build up gradually. This is the safest and
easiest way to go. Take part in a fitness appraisal – this is an excellent way to determine your basic fitness
so that you can plan the best way for you to live actively. It is also highly recommended that you have your
blood pressure evaluated. If your reading is over 144/94, talk with your doctor before you start becoming
much more physically active.
PLEASE NOTE:
If your health changes so that you then answer YES to any of the above questions, tell your fitness or health
professional. Ask whether you should change your physical activity plan.
DELAY BECOMING MUCH MORE ACTIVE:
If you are not feeling well because of a temporary illness such as a cold or a fever – wait until you feel better;
or if you are or may be pregnant – talk to your doctor before you start becoming more active.

_______________________________________________________
Signature

38

REFERENCES
About Us. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://kinesiotaping.com/about/ Copyright 2016
Kinesio Holding Corporation
Cools, A. M., Witvrouw, E. E., Danneels, L. A., & Chambier, D. C. (2002, August). Does
Taping Influence Electromyographic Muscle Activity in the Scapular Rotators in Healthy
Shoulders? Manual Therapy, 7(3), 154-162
Biomechanics definitions. (2018, May 22). Retrieved from
https://www.strengthandconditioningresearch.com/biomechanics/biomechanicsdefinitions/
Forthomme, B., Crielaard, J., & Croisier, J. (2008, May 1). Scapular Positioning in
Athletes Shoulder. Sports Medicine, 38(5), 369-383
Host HH. (1995). Scapular Taping in the Treatment of Anterior Shoulder Impingement.
Phys Ther, 75, 803-812
Kristin, M. E., Saether, E. E., Soiney, E. K., Shebeck, M. S., Paddock, K. L., & Ludewig,
P. M. (2008) Three-Dimensional Scapular Kinematics During the Throwing
Motion. Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 24(1), 24-34
Lohrer, H., Alt, W., & Gollhofer, A. (1999). Neuromuscular Properties and Functional
Aspects of Taped Ankles. American Journal of Sports Medicine, 27(1), 69-75
Miyashita, K., Urabe, Y., Kobayashi, H., Yokoe, K., Koshida, S., Kawamura, M., & Ida,
K. (2008). The Role of Shoulder Maximum External Rotation During Throwing for
Elbow Injury Prevention in Baseball Players. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 7,
223-228.
Mulazimoglu, O., Akif Afyon, Y., Sayilir, S., & Salgin, A. (2018, June). The Effect of 4Week Training with Shoulder Kinesio-Tape on Shooting Accuracy of Young
Archers. International Journal of Sciences, 7.
Muller, C., & Brandes, M. (2015, December 22). Effects of Kinesiotape Applications on
Ball Velocity and Accuracy in Amateur Soccer and Handball. Journal of Human
Kinetics, 49, 119-129.
Neil, Bakshi, and Freehold T. Michael (2018, Sept.) The Overhead Athletes
Shoulder. Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Review, 26(3), 88-94
Shaheen, A. F., Villa, C., Lee, Y., Bull, A. M., & Alexander, C. M. (2013, April).
Scapular Taping Alters Kinematics in Asymptomatic Subjects. Journal of
Electromyography and Kinesiology, 23(2), 326-333

39

Tape, K. (2012, January 19). Retrieved July 09, 2019, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dRzN4j0rG0
What is Kinesio Tape? (2016). Retrieved from https://kinesiotaping.com/about/what-iskinesio-tape/ Copyright 2016 Kinesio Holding Corporation
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