Background and purpose: This research aimed at investigating the effect of kinesio tape on functional performance of lower extremity and pain severity in athletes with and without medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS).

Materials and methods: The study was performed in 30 students of physical training course in Guilan University including 15 students with MTSS and 15 healthy students. At first, the function of lower extremity was compared between the two groups using shuttle run tests, figure 8 hop test, side to side hop test, and agility hop test. Pain severity was measured by visual analog scale. Then, taping was performed to evaluate the functional performance and pain severity in athletes before, immediately and 24 hr after continues use of the tape.

Results: Before the intervention the functional performance in those with MTSS was weaker in SR, FEH, and AH tests than that in healthy group (P≤ 0.05). The ANOVA test showed better scores in SR, FEH and AH tests and decrease in pain levels among individuals with MTSS syndrome after using kinesio tape (P≤05). But 24 hours after use of kinesio tape the functional performance and pain severity did not change (P≥0.05).

Conclusion: Trainers are recommended to plan special functional exercises and using Kinesio tape for its medicinal role (deep sense improvement and decrease of pain) to improve the functional performance of athletes with MTSS.