Effects of Combined Exercise and Kinesio Taping on Balance and Jump Performance in Athletes With Chronic Ankle Instability

Sport University of Tirana78 enrolled

Overview

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether a combined neuromuscular rehabilitation program improves static balance in athletes with chronic ankle instability. It will also examine whether the addition of kinesio taping provides extra benefit compared with exercise alone. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does a six-week balance and strength exercise program improve static postural control in athletes with chronic ankle instability? Does adding kinesio taping to the exercise program lead to greater improvements in balance compared with exercise alone? Researchers will compare three groups: an exercise group, an exercise plus kinesio taping group, and a control group, to determine which approach is most effective for improving balance. Participants will: Take part in a supervised rehabilitation program three times per week for six weeks (intervention groups) Perform balance training on a wobble board and strength exercises using elastic resistance bands Receive kinesio taping before each session if assigned to the taping group Undergo balance assessments before and after the intervention using force-plate measurements

Chronic ankle instability is a frequent condition among athletes and is associated with recurrent ankle sprains, impaired proprioception, muscle weakness, and deficits in postural control. These impairments negatively influence athletic performance and increase the risk of further injury. Neuromuscular rehabilitation programs that combine balance and strength training are commonly recommended to address these problems; however, evidence regarding the additional value of adjunctive interventions such as kinesio taping remains limited. This randomized controlled trial was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of a structured neuromuscular rehabilitation program on static balance in athletes with chronic ankle instability and to determine whether the addition of kinesio taping enhances treatment outcomes. Participants meeting the diagnostic criteria for chronic ankle instability were recruited and randomly allocated into one of three study groups. The intervention consisted of a supervised rehabilitation program focused on balance and strength exercises targeting the ankle joint. Training sessions were performed regularly over a six-week period. In one group, kinesio taping was applied before each training session in addition to the exercise program, while another group performed the same exercises without taping. A control group did not receive any specific rehabilitation intervention. Balance performance was evaluated before and after the intervention period using objective laboratory-based assessments. The study design allowed for comparison of changes over time within each group and between groups in order to identify the most effective approach for improving postural stability in athletes with chronic ankle instability. The findings of this trial are intended to provide practical clinical evidence for physiotherapists and sports rehabilitation professionals regarding optimal conservative management strategies for chronic ankle instability.

Interventions

Balance and Strength Exercise ProgramOTHER

A structured rehabilitation program consisting of balance training on a wobble board and ankle strengthening exercises using Thera-Band. Sessions were performed three times per week for six weeks under physiotherapist supervision. Exercises included single-leg balance tasks with progressive difficulty and strengthening exercises targeting dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, and eversion.

Exercise Program with Kinesio TapingOTHER

The same six-week balance and strength rehabilitation program as in the Exercise Group, combined with Kinesio Taping applied to the ankle before each training session. Taping was applied by a certified physiotherapist using a standardized technique to enhance proprioceptive input and neuromuscular activation.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 25 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: History of at least one ankle sprain occurring at least 12 months prior to enrollment. Presence of clinical signs of pain and inflammation. Most recent ankle sprain occurring at least 3 months before study inclusion. History of more than two episodes of "giving way". Self-reported ankle instability assessed using the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) with a score of ≤25 points. Exclusion Criteria: History of musculoskeletal surgery. Presence of orthopedic conditions such as lower-limb fractures. Any musculoskeletal injury within the 3 months preceding the study. Known neurological disorders that could influence balance performance. Known vestibular disorders that could influence balance performance.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in Static Balance Measured by Center of Pressure Ellipse Area

Static balance will be assessed using a force plate by analyzing center of pressure (COP) parameters, specifically the ellipse area. Measurements will be performed in a single-leg stance position under two conditions: eyes open and eyes closed. Smaller COP ellipse area values indicate better postural control.

Time frame: From baseline assessment to post-intervention assessment after 6 weeks

Secondary Outcomes

Vertical Jump Height

Vertical jump height will be assessed using a force plate to quantify lower limb explosive power, measured at baseline and post-intervention.

Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention

Drop Jump

Drop jump performance will be assessed using a force plate to evaluate reactive strength and neuromuscular control, measured at baseline and post-intervention.