Introduction: Handball is a sport characterized by numerous repetitive overhead movements, which frequently expose female handball players to adaptations and injuries of the shoulder joint. Kinesiology taping is commonly used in sports physiotherapy as an adjunctive method intended to influence range of motion and functional performance; however, its effects in female handball players remain insufficiently understood. Purpose: This master’s thesis aimed to examine immediate changes in active and passive shoulder range of motion, as well as throwing velocity and accuracy, following the application of kinesiology tape. Additionally, the association between changes in active range of motion and changes in mean throwing velocity was examined, as were differences in changes in range of motion and throwing velocity according to a history of shoulder injury. Methods: A total of 42 female handball players from the Slovenian First Handball League participated in this quantitative one-group pre–post study. Active and passive shoulder internal and external rotation range of motion, throwing accuracy, and mean throwing velocity were assessed before and immediately after the application of kinesiology tape. Throwing accuracy was assessed based on ten throws at a static target, while mean throwing velocity was calculated from three maximal throws. In addition, the association between changes in active range of motion and mean throwing velocity was analyzed, and changes were compared according to the presence of a previous shoulder injury. The study did not include a control or placebo group. Results: Following the application of kinesiology tape, active and passive shoulder internal rotation range of motion increased significantly. A statistically significant moderate positive association was found between changes in active internal and external rotation range of motion and changes in mean throwing velocity. Mean throwing velocity increased significantly; however, the absolute change was small. Throwing accuracy did not change significantly. No statistically significant differences in changes in range of motion or throwing velocity were found between female handball players with and without a history of shoulder injury. Discussion and conclusion: Immediate changes in shoulder internal rotation range of motion and a small increase in mean throwing velocity were observed following the application of kinesiology tape. However, the practical significance of the change in throwing velocity remains unclear. Throwing accuracy did not change significantly. The interpretation of findings in female handball players with a history of shoulder injury is limited by the small number of participants in this subgroup. As the study did not include a control or placebo group, the observed changes cannot be reliably attributed solely to the application of kinesiology tape, nor can conclusions be drawn regarding their duration or long-term effects.
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