Effects of Dynamic and Kinesiology Taping on Balance and Kinesthesia in Healthy Adults

NCT ID: NCT06942585

Last Updated: 2025-05-23

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: COMPLETED
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 24 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2025-04-01
• Study Completion Date: 2025-05-19

Brief Summary

This study aims to investigate the acute effects of dynamic tape (DT) and kinesiology tape (KT) on balance and kinesthesia of the lower limbs in healthy young adults. Participants will undergo assessments of static balance and knee joint position sense before and after the application of each taping condition. The study seeks to determine whether DT or KT can provide immediate improvements in postural stability and proprioceptive accuracy.

Detailed Description

Taping techniques are commonly used in rehabilitation and sports settings to support joint function, reduce pain, and improve proprioception. Dynamic tape (DT) and kinesiology tape (KT) differ in their mechanical properties and proposed mechanisms of action. While KT is elastic and mimics the properties of skin, DT offers higher elasticity and resistance, potentially providing enhanced mechanical support and proprioceptive feedback.

Although several studies have explored the effects of taping on balance and proprioception, direct comparisons between DT and KT, particularly when applied to both the ankle and knee joints, remain limited. This study seeks to address this gap by examining and comparing the immediate effects of DT and KT on static balance and kinesthesia of the lower limbs in healthy adults.

The findings may contribute to a better understanding of the clinical relevance of different taping methods and inform decision-making in preventive and therapeutic interventions targeting lower limb stability and proprioception.

Conditions

Dynamic Tape; Kinesiology Taping

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: CROSSOVER
• Primary Study Purpose: PREVENTION
• Blinding Strategy: SINGLE

Study Groups

Kinesiology tape

Kinesiology tape (KT) applied to the knee and ankle

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Kinesiology Tape

Intervention Type: DEVICE

An elastic therapeutic tape applied to the ankle and knee using standard kinesiology taping techniques. The tape is stretched to approximately 10-15% during application and is designed to mimic the properties of human skin. It aims to provide sensory stimulation, improve proprioceptive feedback, and support joint function without limiting range of motion. The application targets muscles and tendons surrounding the knee and ankle, commonly used in both preventive and rehabilitative physiotherapy.

Dynamic tape

Dynamic tape (DT) applied to the knee and ankle

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Dynamic tape

Intervention Type: DEVICE

A biomechanical tape characterized by high elasticity (over 200%) and strong resistance, applied to the ankle and knee to assist movement and absorb load. The tape is applied in a shortened muscle position with maximal stretch across the joint, following the manufacturer's guidelines (GripIt ACTIVETAPE, 5 cm width). This taping method aims to provide both mechanical support and neurosensory input, facilitating muscle activation and improving joint stability during movement. It is used to address both biomechanical and proprioceptive components of lower limb control.

Interventions

Kinesiology Tape

An elastic therapeutic tape applied to the ankle and knee using standard kinesiology taping techniques. The tape is stretched to approximately 10-15% during application and is designed to mimic the properties of human skin. It aims to provide sensory stimulation, improve proprioceptive feedback, and support joint function without limiting range of motion. The application targets muscles and tendons surrounding the knee and ankle, commonly used in both preventive and rehabilitative physiotherapy.

Intervention Type: DEVICE

Dynamic tape

A biomechanical tape characterized by high elasticity (over 200%) and strong resistance, applied to the ankle and knee to assist movement and absorb load. The tape is applied in a shortened muscle position with maximal stretch across the joint, following the manufacturer's guidelines (GripIt ACTIVETAPE, 5 cm width). This taping method aims to provide both mechanical support and neurosensory input, facilitating muscle activation and improving joint stability during movement. It is used to address both biomechanical and proprioceptive components of lower limb control.

Intervention Type: DEVICE

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Healthy adults aged 18-30 years
• No current pain or injury affecting the lower limbs
• Willingness to participate and provide informed consent
• No known allergy or sensitivity to adhesive materials

Exclusion Criteria

• History of ankle sprain or anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury
• Any lower limb injury in the past 3 months
• Neurological or vestibular disorders affecting balance
• Skin conditions or wounds at the taping sites
• Participation in balance or proprioception training programs in the past month

• Minimum Eligible Age: 18 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 45 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Sponsors

University of Primorska

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Žiga Kozinc

Assistant professor

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences, Izola

Izola, Izola, Slovenia

Countries

Slovenia

Other Identifiers

DAKTIK

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id