Ankle Injuries, Balanced
Conditions
Brief summary
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.
Detailed description
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.
Interventions
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.
Sponsors
Study design
Intervention model description
Since you are applying different interventions (three types of Kinesio taping) to different groups, the Parallel Assignment model is the best fit. The study is randomized, meaning participants are assigned to groups by chance. The primary aim is to evaluate the preventive effects of Kinesio taping on balance and proprioception, so the primary purpose is Prevention. If the person assessing the results is blinded to the group allocations, it qualifies as Single-Blinded (Outcomes Assessor).
Eligibility
Inclusion criteria
* Age: Participants must be between 18-25 years old. * General Health: Participants must be generally healthy individuals, with no previously diagnosed chronic health conditions, musculoskeletal disorders, or history of injuries. * Ankle Health: No ankle injuries or surgical interventions in the past six months. * Informed Consent: Participants must voluntarily agree to participate and sign the informed consent form.
Exclusion criteria
* History of Injuries: Any lower extremity injury (ankle or knee) within the past year. * Neurological Disorders: Any neurological condition that may affect balance or proprioception. * Other Health Conditions: Presence of chronic diseases such as rheumatic diseases, diabetes, or musculoskeletal disorders that could impact the study outcomes.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Joint Position Sense Accuracy | 1 months | This outcome will assess participants' ability to accurately reproduce a predefined ankle position. A smaller error in joint position replication indicates improved proprioception. |
| Balance Performance (Postural Stability) | 1 months | 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. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Changes in Balance Performance Over Time | 1 months | The progression of balance performance will be analyzed over multiple time points to determine how long the taping effects persist. |
| Proprioception Retention Effect | 1 months | Comparison between Immediately After, 24 Hours, and 48 Hours Post-Application |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)