Effects of Rigid and Kinesio Taping on Balance and Performance in Chronic Ankle Instability

Overview

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether rigid subtalar sling taping or kinesio subtalar sling taping can improve balance, proprioception, and functional performance in physically active adults with chronic ankle instability. It will also evaluate whether these taping methods help maintain performance after fatigue. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Do rigid and kinesio subtalar sling taping improve dynamic balance compared with sham taping? * Do rigid and kinesio subtalar sling taping improve ankle joint position sense and functional performance compared with sham taping? * Which taping method is more effective in preserving performance following a fatigue protocol? Researchers will compare rigid subtalar sling taping, kinesio subtalar sling taping, and sham taping to determine their effects on balance, proprioception, and functional performance before and after fatigue. Participants will: * Complete questionnaires related to ankle instability and sport function. * Undergo dynamic balance testing using the Y-Balance Test. * Perform functional performance tests including the Single-Leg Hop Test, Side Hop Test, and Figure-of-8 Hop Test. * Complete an ankle joint position sense assessment. * Receive either rigid subtalar sling taping, kinesio subtalar sling taping, or sham taping. * Perform a standardized fatigue protocol. * Repeat all outcome assessments immediately after taping, after fatigue, and following a short recovery period.

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a common long-term consequence of lateral ankle sprains and is characterized by recurrent episodes of ankle giving way, sensorimotor deficits, impaired postural control, and reduced functional performance. Individuals with CAI frequently demonstrate deficits in dynamic balance and proprioception, which may increase the risk of recurrent injury and negatively affect sports participation and physical activity. External ankle support strategies are commonly used in clinical rehabilitation and sports medicine to enhance joint stability and improve functional outcomes. Among these strategies, rigid taping and kinesio taping are widely applied. Rigid taping primarily aims to restrict excessive joint motion and provide mechanical support, whereas kinesio taping is believed to facilitate neuromuscular function through cutaneous stimulation and enhanced sensory feedback. Although previous studies have reported beneficial effects of taping interventions, the comparative effectiveness of these approaches under fatigue conditions remains insufficiently understood. Fatigue is considered an important factor influencing injury risk because it may impair neuromuscular control, proprioceptive acuity, and postural stability. Since many ankle sprains occur during the later stages of sports participation when fatigue is present, evaluating the effectiveness of taping interventions under fatigue conditions may provide clinically meaningful information for injury prevention and rehabilitation. This study is designed as a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group controlled trial. Participants will be randomly allocated to receive rigid subtalar sling taping, kinesio subtalar sling taping, or sham taping. Assessments will be conducted at multiple time points to investigate both immediate responses to taping and responses following a standardized fatigue protocol. The primary objective of the study is to determine whether rigid or kinesio subtalar sling taping can improve sensorimotor and functional characteristics in individuals with chronic ankle instability and whether these effects are maintained following fatigue. The study also aims to compare the relative effectiveness of the two taping approaches and to identify potential advantages of mechanical versus sensorimotor support strategies. The findings of this trial may contribute to evidence-based decision making regarding taping applications in sports rehabilitation, injury prevention, and return-to-sport management for individuals with chronic ankle instability.