Dynamic Tape, Kinesiology Taping
Conditions
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.
Interventions
DEVICEKinesiology 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.
DEVICEDynamic 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.
Sponsors
University of Primorska
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
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.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 45 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
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
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mean Velocity of Center of Pressure During Single-Leg Stance [mm/s] | Immediately before and within 10 minutes after tape application (per condition) | Mean velocity of the CoP will be measured during the 30-second single-leg stance using a force plate. The outcome will be compared across the no tape, kinesiology tape, and dynamic tape conditions. |
| Sway Amplitude of Center of Pressure During Single-Leg Stance [mm] | Immediately before and within 10 minutes after tape application (per condition) | During the same 30-second single-leg stance test, the sway amplitude of the CoP will be recorded using a force plate. This outcome will be used to evaluate changes in postural control across taping conditions. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Knee Joint Kinesthesia [°] | Immediately before and within 10 minutes after tape application (per condition) | Kinesthesia will be assessed using a passive-to-active joint position reproduction test with a digital goniometer (EasyAngle). Participants will attempt to replicate a reference knee flexion angle (45°) with eyes closed. The absolute angular error (in degrees) between the target and reproduced position will be calculated. Measurements will be compared across the no tape, kinesiology tape, and dynamic tape conditions to evaluate the acute effects of taping on proprioceptive accuracy. |
Countries
Slovenia
Outcome results
None listed