Kinesio Taping Effects on Balance and Ankle Proprioception

Not Applicable

Recruiting

• Conditions: Ankle Injuries; Balanced

• Registration Number: NCT06832111
• Lead Sponsor: University of Beykent

Brief Summary

Ankle injuries are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries, affecting both athletes and the general population. Various methods are used to prevent such injuries, but the effectiveness of different kinesio taping applications on joint position sense and balance remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the effects of different kinesio taping techniques on proprioception and postural stability in healthy young adults. By identifying changes in balance and proprioception before injuries occur, the findings may provide clinical insights into the potential role of kinesio taping in rehabilitation and injury prevention.

Detailed Description

Ankle and foot injuries are among the most frequently observed musculoskeletal injuries, particularly in athletes and physically active individuals. Various preventive methods have been developed to reduce the risk of such injuries, including exercise programs, footwear modifications, and taping techniques. Kinesio taping (KT) is widely used to enhance proprioception, joint stability, and neuromuscular function, but its effectiveness in healthy young adults remains unclear.

This study aims to evaluate the impact of different kinesio taping applications on joint position sense and balance in healthy young adults. The ankle-foot complex is rich in mechanoreceptors and plays a crucial role in movement and postural control. However, proprioceptive deficits and balance impairments contribute to the risk of injuries such as chronic ankle instability (CAI) and lateral ankle sprains. While several studies have investigated the effects of KT in injured populations, research on its impact on proprioception and balance in uninjured individuals is lacking.

By analyzing changes in balance and proprioception among healthy participants, this study will provide valuable insights into the potential role of kinesio taping in injury prevention. Understanding these effects before an injury occurs could help refine rehabilitation strategies and improve clinical decision-making regarding the use of kinesio taping for both prevention and post-injury treatment.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2025-01-01
• Status Verified: 2025-02
• Study First Submitted: 2025-02-06
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-02-11
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-02-11
• Study First Posted: 2025-02-18
• Last Update Posted: 2025-02-18
• Primary Completion: 2025-03-24
• Study Completion: 2025-04-01

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 120

Inclusion Criteria

• Age: Participants must be between 18-25 years old.
• General Health: Participants must be generally healthy individuals, with no previously diagnosed chronic health conditions, musculoskeletal disorders, or history of injuries.
• Ankle Health: No ankle injuries or surgical interventions in the past six months.
• Informed Consent: Participants must voluntarily agree to participate and sign the informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria

• History of Injuries: Any lower extremity injury (ankle or knee) within the past year.
• Neurological Disorders: Any neurological condition that may affect balance or proprioception.
• Other Health Conditions: Presence of chronic diseases such as rheumatic diseases, diabetes, or musculoskeletal disorders that could impact the study outcomes.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Joint Position Sense Accuracy	1 months	This outcome will assess participants' ability to accurately reproduce a predefined ankle position. A smaller error in joint position replication indicates improved proprioception.
Balance Performance (Postural Stability)	1 months	Participants will perform the SEBT, where they must reach as far as possible in multiple directions while maintaining balance. The total reach distance will be recorded, and improvements indicate enhanced postural stability.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Changes in Balance Performance Over Time	1 months	The progression of balance performance will be analyzed over multiple time points to determine how long the taping effects persist.
Proprioception Retention Effect	1 months	Comparison between Immediately After, 24 Hours, and 48 Hours Post-Application

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Istanbul Beykent University Physiotherapy Lab.; 🇹🇷 İ̇stanbul, Büyükçekmece, Turkey