Does the colour have an effect? A myth put to the test

Anyone buying tape soon comes across colour promises: some colours are supposed to calm, others to activate. Sounds nice. But is it true?

What was tested

A research team from Australia examined the question in a randomised trial in 2018. 32 healthy adults went through five conditions: no tape, beige tape with tension, beige tape without tension, red tape with tension and blue tape with tension. The team measured hop performance, thigh strength and the activity of the nerve pathways to the muscle.¹

The result

The colour of the tape had no influence on performance, strength or nerve activity. To be honest, it is also true that the tape as a whole did not change these values in the healthy participants.¹²

The limits of the study

The study looked at healthy adults in single sessions. It says little about people with complaints. But there is no other evidence either that colour has an effect.

Why there are still four colours

• Black: for everyone who likes it simple.
• Beige: discreet on the skin.
• Blue and pink: for teams, club colours and a good mood.

All four colours have the same material, the same adhesive and the same strips. The colour is a matter of taste, nothing more.

This text is for general information. It does not replace medical or physiotherapy advice.