Clinical trial NCT06942585: Effects of Dynamic and Kinesiology Taping on Balance and Kinesthesia in Healthy Adults
Official title: Acute Effects of Dynamic and Kinesiology Taping on Balance and Kinesthesia of the Lower Limbs in Healthy Adults
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Overall status: COMPLETED
Phase: NA
Conditions: Dynamic Tape
Kinesiology Taping
Lead sponsor: University of Primorska
Sponsor class: OTHER
First posted: 2025-04-24
Enrollment: 24
Sex: ALL
Minimum age (years): 18
Maximum age (years): 45
Standard ages: ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: yes
Allocation: RANDOMIZED
Intervention model: CROSSOVER
Intervention model description: This study uses a randomized crossover design, where each participant serves as their own control. All participants will undergo three separate testing sessions in randomized order: (1) no tape, (2) kinesiology tape (KT), and (3) dynamic tape (DT). A washout period will be ensured between sessions to minimize potential carryover effects. This design allows for direct within-subject comparisons of the acute effects of KT and DT on balance and kinesthesia.
Primary purpose: PREVENTION

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.

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

Primary outcomes:
measure: Mean Velocity of Center of Pressure During Single-Leg Stance [mm/s]
timeFrame: Immediately before and within 10 minutes after tape application (per condition)
measure: Sway Amplitude of Center of Pressure During Single-Leg Stance [mm]
timeFrame: Immediately before and within 10 minutes after tape application (per condition)
Secondary outcomes:
measure: Knee Joint Kinesthesia [°]
timeFrame: Immediately before and within 10 minutes after tape application (per condition)
Other outcomes:
Locations:
city: Izola
country: Slovenia
facility: University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences, Izola
Study officials:
References: