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.
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 Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
120
A specific Kinesio taping technique applied to the ankle to evaluate its effects on joint position sense and balance.
A different Kinesio taping technique applied to the ankle to assess its impact on proprioception and postural stability.
A placebo taping application that mimics the real Kinesio tape placement but lacks therapeutic tension or functional support, serving as a control condition to evaluate the true effects of the experimental interventions.
Istanbul Beykent University Physiotherapy Lab.
Istanbul, Büyükçekmece, Turkey (Türkiye)
RECRUITINGJoint Position Sense Accuracy
This outcome will assess participants' ability to accurately reproduce a predefined ankle position. A smaller error in joint position replication indicates improved proprioception.
Time frame: 1 months
Balance Performance (Postural Stability)
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.
Time frame: 1 months
Changes in Balance Performance Over Time
The progression of balance performance will be analyzed over multiple time points to determine how long the taping effects persist.
Time frame: 1 months
Proprioception Retention Effect
Comparison between Immediately After, 24 Hours, and 48 Hours Post-Application
Time frame: 1 months
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