Effects of kinesiology taping leggings on exercise performance and physiological responses during CrossFit training in women aged 20–30 years
Article information
Abstract
This study examined the effects of kinesiology taping leggings on exercise performance and physiological responses during CrossFit training in women aged 20–30 years. A randomized crossover design was employed with 42 healthy participants. Each participant completed two 3-week training periods wearing either taping leggings or regular leggings, separated by a 2-week washout period. Sixteen variables, including strength, endurance, power, agility, balance, proprioception, functional movement, heart-rate variability, exercise satisfaction, and lower-limb circumference, were measured. Significant improvements were observed in isokinetic strength (148.25±12.45 to 151.78±12.38 N·m), joint-position sense (2.18°±0.65° to 1.95°±0.62°), exercise satisfaction (6.85±1.42 to 7.34±1.28), and edema reduction (31.5% decrease). Most other fitness variables showed improvement trends but were not statistically significant. Taping leggings provided selective but meaningful benefits in enhancing proprioception, improving subjective satisfaction, and reducing edema during CrossFit training.
INTRODUCTION
In general, taping has been applied for the purposes of joint reinforcement and protection, reduction of edema, and immobilization for the management of acute injuries (Leanderson et al., 1996). When musculoskeletal injuries occur, tape is applied directly to the skin and muscles not only to reduce pain (Kowall et al., 1996) but also to improve functions such as muscle strength and endurance. Accordingly, various taping methods have been developed and applied for these purposes (Gilleard et al., 1998). However, its effects on exercise performance are controversial.
Compression garments are known to apply external pressure, thereby improving blood circulation, reducing muscle vibration, and enhancing proprioception (MacRae et al., 2011). Doan et al. (2003) reported that custom-fitted compression shorts increased vertical jump height by 2.4% in male and 1.4% in female college students. Furthermore, a full-body compression garment improved recovery markers after high-intensity resistance exercise in adult men and women, and significantly reduced levels of the muscle-damage indicators creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase (Kraemer et al., 2010). Li et al. (2025) found that compression garments improved muscle efficiency, proprioception, and postexercise recovery in individuals who exercised regularly, and were particularly effective in promoting recovery of resistance-type movements following exercise-induced muscle fatigue.
CrossFit is effective for comprehensive fitness enhancement, but the standalone effect of kinesiology taping is not clearly understood. Taping leggings combined with compression garments can provide consistent compressive force and a taping effect, offer greater convenience and reproducibility, and may generate a synergistic effect by obtaining the benefits of both compression garments and kinesiology taping simultaneously. In particular, women in their 20–30 sec are in a period of active social life with increasing participation in exercise, and their interest in functional activewear is also rising—making this an appropriate time for the development and scientific verification of such functional exercise apparel. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the effects of CrossFit taping leggings on the exercise performance and physiological responses of women in their 20–30 sec, to provide scientific evidence in the fields of sports medicine and exercise prescription, and to contribute to the development of functional activewear.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Participants and treatments
All procedures were reviewd and apporved by the Kyung Hee University Institutional Review Board (KHU 2024-G09).
The anthropometric characteristics of the participants are presented in Table 1. The subjects of this study were healthy women aged 20–30 living in the Seoul and Gyeonggi areas. Using the G*Power 3.1.9.7 program, with an effect size of 0.5, power of 0.80, and a significance level of 0.05, the required sample size was calculated to be a minimum of 20 participants. Considering a dropout rate of 20% due to the characteristics of the crossover-design study, a total of 25 participants were recruited. Healthy women aged 20–30 years, regular exercise experience (at least 3 times per week for a minimum of 6 months), ability to perform basic CrossFit movements (squat, deadlift, burpee, box jump), and understanding of the study purpose with signing of the informed-consent form. Exclusion criteria included history of lower-limb injury within the past 6 months, presence of cardiovascular, neurological, or musculoskeletal disease, allergy to taping materials, and participation in another exercise program during the study period. This study was designed as a randomized crossover design. The crossover design allows each participant to act as her own control, thereby reducing individual differences and lowering the required sample size. The procedure of the study was conducted over a total of 10 weeks and was composed as follows.
Anthropometric characteristics of the participants
Weeks 1–2 (adaptation period): Participants were screened and underwent basic adaptation training. In week 1, we recruited participants, applied inclusion/exclusion criteria, performed baseline anthropometric measurements, and conducted premeasurements. In week 2, we assessed proficiency in basic CrossFit movements (squat, deadlift, burpee, box jump, kettlebell swing) and conducted adaptation training. For participants with limited CrossFit experience, instruction was provided by a certified CrossFit trainer so that correct movement patterns were acquired, and individual coaching was offered until all participants reached a level where they could safely perform the exercises.
Weeks 3–5 (1st experimental period): Through random allocation, group A wore the taping leggings and group B wore regular leggings while performing CrossFit training. Training was conducted 3 times per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday), for a total of 9 sessions. In week 3, the training began at a basic intensity to allow participants to adapt to the leggings, and in weeks 4–5 the intensity was gradually increased until the target intensity (70%–85% maximum heart rate [HRmax]) was reached. Evaluations of all measurement variables were conducted at the start of the 1st experimental period (first day of week 3) and at the end of it (last day of week 5).
Weeks 6–7 (washout period): To completely prevent a carryover effect, a 2-week washout period was implemented. During this time, participants abstained from CrossFit exercise and maintained only typical daily physical activities (walking, climbing stairs, etc.). At the end of week 7, a simple fitness assessment (heart rate, rating of perceived exertion) was conducted to confirm that participants’ fitness levels had returned to baseline.
Weeks 8–10 (2nd experimental period): According to the crossover design, group A wore regular leggings and group B wore the taping leggings while performing the same CrossFit training. The training frequency, intensity, and program structure were applied identically to the 1st experimental period, with a total of 9 exercise sessions. Week 8 served as a readaptation period, beginning at moderate intensity; in weeks 9–10 the target intensity from the 1st period was reached. Evaluations of all measurement variables were conducted at the start of the 2nd experimental period (first day of week 8) and at its end (last day of week 10).
The study was conducted using a single-blind design so that the measurer could not know which type of leggings the participants were wearing, and both types of leggings were made in the same colour and design so that they could not be distinguished visually.
The CrossFit taping leggings were manufactured as compression leggings with woven taping patterns applied to the quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus, and gastrocnemius, based on the principles of kinesiology taping. The design was developed by Motion Crew and the affiliated research company Fortium Institute of Korea University Technology Holdings, using anthropometric measurement data, and the garment’s compression was set at 15–20 mmHg. The material composition was 80% nylon and 20% spandex. The regular leggings were made from the same material but without taping, allowing examination of the difference in effect attributable to the taping.
Measurement variables and details
Height, body weight, and body composition were measured using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer (InBody 770, InBody Co., Korea). Body mass index was calculated by dividing body weight (kg) by height squared (m2).
Isokinetic strength
Maximal torque of the knee extensor and flexor muscles was measured using the Biodex System 4 Pro (Biodex Medical Systems, USA). Measurements were obtained at angular velocities of 60°/sec and 180°/sec, with five trials at each velocity; the highest value was recorded. An adequate warm-up was performed before testing, and intertester reliability was r≥0.95 (Drouin et al., 2004).
Hand grip strength
Hand grip strength was measured using a digital dynamometer (TKK 5401, Takei, Japan). Two measurements were taken on each hand (left and right), and the maximum value was recorded. Intertester reliability was r=0.98 (Mathiowetz et al., 1984).
Muscular endurance
The 1-min sit-up test was conducted according to the measurement methods of the Korea Sports Association. Participants fixed their feet with their knees bent at 90°, and performed as many sit-ups as possible in one minute. Intertester reliability was r=0.97.
Power
Vertical jump performance was assessed using a jump mat (Jump Mat, Gill Athletics, USA). Participants performed a countermovement jump with their hands fixed on their hips, jumping as high as possible for three trials, and the highest value was recorded. Test-retest reliability was r=0.95 (Bosco et al., 1983).
Agility
Agility was assessed using the illinois agility test (Salimi and Ferguson-Pell, 2020) with a course measuring 10 m×5 m and eight cones arranged in a zig-zag pattern. Two trials were performed, and the best time was recorded; test-retest reliability was r=0.89.
Balance
Balance ability was assessed using the Y-balance test according to the method of Plisky et al. (2006). Participants stood on one leg and reached as far as possible with the other leg in the anterior, posterolateral, and posteromedial directions. Three measurements were taken for each direction, and the average value was calculated. The distances were normalized to leg length and expressed as a percentage. Intertester reliability ranged from r=0.89 to 0.93.
Recovery
Heart-rate recovery (HRR) was measured using the Polar H10 (Polar Electro, Finland) at 1-min, 3-min, and 5-min postexercise. HRR was calculated using the following formula: HRR=(HR peak–HR recovery) (HR peak–HR rest)×100 HRR=(HR peak–HR rest) (HR peak–HR recovery)×100 (Lamberts et al., 2010). Additionally, subjective fatigue was measured using Borg rating of perceived exertion scale (6–20 points) before exercise, immediately after exercise, and at 1 min, 3 min, and 5 min during recovery (Borg, 1982).
Functional movement
The functional movement screen (FMS) developed by Cook et al. (2006) was used, comprising seven items such as deep squat, hurdle step, in-line lunge, shoulder mobility, active straight leg raise, trunk stability push-up, rotary stability. Each item was scored on a scale of 0–3, and the total score (maximum 21 points) was calculated. Interrater reliability was r=0.98.
Exercise and wear satisfaction
Physical activity enjoyment scale (Teques et al., 2020) was used. The scale consists of 18 items rated on a 7-point Likert scale, with higher scores indicating greater enjoyment of physical activity. The internal consistency of the Korean version was Cronbach α=0.94.
Edema
Lower-limb circumference was measured using a tape measure at the thigh (10 cm above the superior border of the patella) and the calf (maximal circumference) both before and after exercise. Measurements were taken at the same time of day, and intertester reliability was r=0.99. The edema index was calculated as follows: Edema index (%)=[(postexercise circumference–pre-exercise circumference)/pre-exercise circumference]×100 (Jakeman et al., 2010).
CrossFit
The CrossFit programme was constructed based on the protocol used in the study by Smith et al. (2013). Considering the fitness level and safety of women in their 20–30 sec, the program was modified and supplemented. Total exercise time was set at 40 min, consisting of a 10-min warm-up, a 20-min main workout, and a 10-min cool-down. The warm-up utilised functional methods, including dynamic stretching and joint range-of-motion exercises, with a target heart rate of 50%–60% HRmax to prepare the body for the main workout (Heinrich et al., 2014). The main workout reflected the metabolic characteristics of CrossFit. Intensity was increased to 75%–85% HRmax to elicit high-intensity training effects, and the workout was made more challenging by including goblet squats (12-kg kettlebell), push-ups, burpees, box jumps, and plank holds, with the rest period shortened to 90 sec between stages (Murawska-Cialowicz et al., 2015).
Data analysis
Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics ver. 28.0 (IBM Co., USA). All variables are presented as mean±standard deviation. Normality was assessed using the Shapiro–Wilk test. Owing to the crossover design of the study, carryover effects between periods were evaluated using independent-samples t-tests on the summed values for each period. If no carryover effect was detected, independent-samples t-tests were used to compare the taping-leggings and regular-leggings conditions. Effect sizes (Cohen d) were calculated to assess practical significance (0.2=small, 0.5=medium, 0.8=large), and 95% confidence intervals were reported for all analyses. The significance level was set at α=0.05.
RESULTS
Physical fitness categorize
A paired-samples t-test showed a statistically significant difference only in isokinetic strength. When wearing the taping leggings, isokinetic strength increased from 148.25±12.45 N·m to 151.78±12.38 N·m, representing a 2.4% increase (P=0.041, Cohen d=0.284). In contrast, no significant differences were found for grip strength (P=0.312), 1-min sit-ups (P=0.187), vertical jump (P=0.127), or T-agility test (P=0.289) (all P>0.05) (Table 2).
Physical fitness categorize
Proprioception and balance
In proprioception, joint-position sense improved significantly from 2.18°±0.65° when wearing the regular leggings to 2.03°± 0.62° when wearing the taping leggings (P=0.046, Cohen d= 0.238). For dynamic balance as assessed by the Y-Balance Test, the anterior reach distance improved from 58.23±8.45 cm to 59.41± 8.52 cm, but the improvement was not statistically significant (P=0.189). Similar non-significant trends were observed for the posteromedial (P=0.387) and posterolateral (P=0.312) reach distances. For static balance as assessed by the Romberg Test, time improved from 28.45±8.23 sec to 29.67±8.35 sec, but again was not significantly (P=0.178) (Table 3). These results indicate that while proprioception improved, this did not fully transfer to static or dynamic balance abilities.
Proprioception and balance
Functional movement
As shown in Table 4, the FMS total score improved from 15.38± 2.12 points when wearing the regular leggings to 15.89±2.08 points when wearing the taping leggings—a 3.3% increase (P= 0.082). In individual items, the deep squat (P=0.201), hurdle step (P=0.124), and inline lunge (P=0.163) all exhibited improving trends but were not statistically significant. For postural stability assessment, single-leg stand time improved from 45.23±12.45 sec to 46.78±12.67 sec (P=0.267), and single-leg stance time improved from 8.45±3.21 sec. to 9.12±3.34 sec, a 7.9% improvement (P=0.078, Cohen d=0.204).
Functional movement and postural stability
Heart-rate variability and recovery
As shown in Table 5 among the heart-rate variability indices, the root mean square of successive differences increased from 42.15± 12.23 msec when wearing regular leggings to 43.78±12.35 msec when wearing the taping leggings (+3.9%), showing a positive trend though not statistically significant (P=0.234). The pNN50 likewise improved from 18.45%±7.82% to 19.23%±7.91% (P=0.374) but did not reach significance. For fatigue-recovery, heart-rate recovery showed improvement trends at 1 minute (P= 0.132) and at 3 minutes (P=0.114) postexercise. Subjective fatigue (perceived exertion) decreased from 15.28±2.15 to 14.89±2.08 (−2.6%), but this change was also not statistically significant (P= 0.093).
Heart-rate variability recovery
Exercise and wear satisfaction
In the domain of exercise satisfaction, overall satisfaction improved significantly from 6.85±1.42 for the regular leggings to 7.34±1.28 for the taping leggings a 7.2% increase (P=0.032, Cohen d=0.368). Movement comfort also improved significantly from 6.92±1.35 to 7.28±1.22 (P=0.048, Cohen d=0.280), and perceived performance improved significantly from 6.78±1.48 to 7.21±1.31 (P=0.041, Cohen d=0.309). Regarding wear comfort, overall comfort showed the largest improvement from 6.92± 1.38 to 7.43±1.22 (P=0.015, Cohen d=0.395), and fit satisfaction also improved significantly from 7.15±1.25 to 7.52±1.18 (P=0.029, Cohen d=0.305). In contrast, breathing comfort showed an improving trend but did not reach statistical significance (P= 0.312) (Table 6).
Exercise and wear satisfaction
Lower-limb circumference
The results of the edema index evaluation based on lower-limb circumference measurements are shown in Table 7. Before exercise, there were no significant differences between groups in thigh circumference on the right (P=0.276) or left (P=0.294), nor in calf circumference on the right (P=0.387) or left (P=0.412), confirming equivalent baseline conditions. At 30-min postexercise, thigh circumference on the right (P=0.123) and left (P=0.134) likewise did not differ significantly between conditions. However, a clear difference emerged in the edema index. The edema index in the right thigh decreased by 31.5% from 1.43%±0.45% under the regular-leggings condition to 0.98%±0.32% under the taping-leggings condition this difference was statistically significant (P= 0.007, Cohen d=1.178). The edema index of the left thigh also decreased from 1.45%±0.47% to 0.99%±0.33%, representing a 31.7% reduction (P=0.004, Cohen d=1.137). Both of these indicators demonstrated large effect sizes, thereby confirming the edema-suppressing effect which is a core function of the compression/taping leggings.
The lower-limb circumference
DISCUSSION
This study examined the effects of compression leggings incorporating kinesiology taping during CrossFit exercise in women aged 20–30. When wearing the taping leggings, isokinetic muscle strength improved significantly (P=0.041, Cohen d=0.284). This may relate to kinesiology taping ability to promote muscle activation. Huang et al. (2011) reported that. This may relate to kinesiology taping’s ability to promote muscle activation. Increases quadriceps strength in healthy adults in the short term, which is consistent with the present findings. In contrast, no statistically significant differences were found for grip strength, muscular endurance, explosive power, or agility.
In the present study, joint-position sense significantly improved when wearing the taping leggings (P=0.046, Cohen d=0.238). This is consistent with the mechanism whereby compression garments stimulate cutaneous mechanoreceptors and thereby enhance proprioceptive function. Li et al. (2025) reported that kinesiology taping immediately improved strength, static balance, and proprioception after eccentric muscular fatigue, with the most pronounced improvement in proprioception. Furthemore, the bench throw performance was also significantly improved with the use of the whole body compression garment, reflecting enhanced recovery from the neuromuscular deficit created by the workout stress in the upper body.
In this study, the most consistent and pronounced effects were observed in the domains of exercise satisfaction and garment comfort. Overall exercise satisfaction increased significantly from 6.85± 1.42 points to 7.34±1.28 points (+7.2%; P=0.032, Cohen d= 0.368). Wearing comfort improved significantly from 6.92±1.38 points to 7.43±1.22 points (P=0.015, Cohen d=0.395). Further, perceived fit satisfaction also increased significantly from 7.15±1.25 points to 7.52±1.18 points (P=0.029, Cohen d=0.305). These findings suggest that functional activewear may exert greater effects on subjective satisfaction than on objective physical performance indices. Kraemer et al. (2010) reported that the comfort of exercise apparel substantially influences motivation and adherence to physical activity, and especially among women, apparel functionality and wearing comfort directly relate to exercise satisfaction. Regarding the comfort of compression garments, Davies et al. (2009) reported that while compression garments improved perceived recovery, they did not necessarily affect performance outcomes, a pattern similar to the present study’s results. Meanwhile, according to Bringard et al. (2006), wearing compression tights while running can improve blood flow and reduce muscle vibration, potentially lowering the energy required to maintain a steady submaximal pace for an extended period. Therefore such subjective improvements may have important implications for exercise participation rates and long-term adherence to training.
In this study, the most clear and large-magnitude effect was the reduction of edema. The edema index in the right and left thighs decreased by 31.5% and 31.7%, respectively (P<0.01, Cohen d>1.0). This finding clearly demonstrates the core function of compression garments, namely promoting venous return and inhibiting fluid accumulation within tissues.
This study has several limitations. First, the participants were recruited from a single institution, which limits generalisability. Second, while assessor blinding was implemented, participant blinding was not feasible. Future research should conduct large-scale studies that include a wider age range and fitness levels, and should evaluate adaptation effects and durability over longer periods of wear. Additionally, comparisons of different compression strength levels and taping patterns would be meaningful.
This study demonstrates that compression leggings incorporating kinesiology taping provide selective but meaningful effects during CrossFit exercise in women aged 20–30. Specifically, significant improvements were observed in proprioception, subjective satisfaction, and reduction of edema, confirming practical value. The fact that most physical fitness variables did not achieve statistical significance suggests that the effects of the taping leggings are realistic rather than exaggerated, which supports the credibility of the study. Therefore, it can be concluded that for CrossFit participants, taping leggings may offer tangible benefits in certain domains, namely enhanced proprioception, improved wearer satisfaction, and edema suppression.
Notes
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors received no financial support for this article.