The effectiveness of neuromuscular taping and combined therapeutic exercises in reducing pain and improving knee health in soccer players

Authors

  • Siti Muawanah Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Abdurrab University, Pekanbaru, Indonesia / Centre of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam 42300 Selangor, Malaysia.
  • Ismaningsih Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Abdurrab University, Pekanbaru, Indonesia.
  • Rezky Guna Putra Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Abdurrab University, Pekanbaru, Indonesia.
  • Siti Juariah Department Health Science, Faculty of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Abdurrab University, Pekanbaru, Indonesia.
  • Eva Oktariani Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Abdurrab University, Pekanbaru, Indonesia.
  • Agustiyawan Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Veteran National Development University, Jakarta, Indonesia.
  • Deinike Wanita Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Abdurrab University, Pekanbaru, Indonesia.
  • Azliyana Azizan Centre of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam 42300 Selangor, Malaysia / Clinical and Rehabilitation Exercise Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia, 42300.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.6018/sportk.709551
Keywords: Neuromuscular Taping, Pain, Isometric Training, Core Stability Exercise, Jumper’s Knee

Abstract

This study aimed to determine how neuromuscular taping (NMT), isometric training, and core stability exercises could help male soccer students with jumper's knees, aged 14 to 17, improve their well-being and agility. This quasi-experimental study employed a pre-test and post-test design with two groups, each consisting of fourteen participants (n=14 per group). The intervention group received isometric training and core stability exercises combined with additional Neuromuscular Taping (NMT), while the control group performed only isometric training and core stability exercises. Clinical data were collected before and after the intervention using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) to assess pain and the Illinois Agility Test (IAT) to evaluate agility. Three times a week for five weeks, the 15-session treatment was conducted under constant safety supervision. Both groups showed lower VAS scores (control: 5.71±1.204 to 3.00±0.961, p=0.0001; intervention: 5.43±1.222 to 1.93±1.072, p<0.000) and higher IAT scores (control: 21.67±1.112 to 15.37±0.780, p<0.000; intervention: 21.67±1.112 to 14.72±0.766, p=0.0001). Significant post-treatment effects on VAS (p=0.033) were found by independent t-tests. The intervention group, which received NMT, isometric training, and core stability exercises, showed better results in terms of pain reduction and agility improvement for the jumper's knee.

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Published
08-04-2026
How to Cite
Muawanah, S., Ismaningsih, Putra, R. G., Juariah, S., Oktariani, E., Agustiyawan, … Azizan, A. (2026). The effectiveness of neuromuscular taping and combined therapeutic exercises in reducing pain and improving knee health in soccer players. SPORT TK-EuroAmerican Journal of Sport Sciences, 15, 21. https://doi.org/10.6018/sportk.709551
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