Diaphragmatic Kinesio Taping With HIIT in Trained Individuals

This randomized controlled trial evaluated whether diaphragmatic kinesio taping provides additional physiological and functional benefits when added to an 8-week supervised high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program in trained adults. Participants were randomly assigned to HIIT with or without diaphragmatic kinesio taping. Both groups completed the same supervised cycle-ergometer HIIT program three times per week for 8 weeks. Assessments were performed at baseline, week 4, and week 8 and included heart-rate variability, aerobic capacity, anaerobic performance, pulmonary function, balance, functional mobility, and body composition.

Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 18-35 years * Male or female trained individuals * At least 6 months of regular training history * Training at least 3-5 days per week * Estimated VO₂max ≥ 35 ml/kg/min * No known contraindication to high-intensity exercise * No allergy or skin condition preventing kinesio taping * Able to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * History of cardiovascular, respiratory, or metabolic disease (e.g., asthma, COPD, diabetes, heart disease) * Major musculoskeletal injury or surgery within the past 6 months * Any pathology affecting diaphragm or respiratory muscles * Active smoking or substance abuse * Use of performance-enhancing drugs * Skin disease in the abdominal region