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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.
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.
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| Label | Type | Description | Intervention Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kinesiology tape | Experimental | Kinesiology tape (KT) applied to the knee and ankle |
|
| Dynamic tape | Experimental | Dynamic tape (DT) applied to the knee and ankle |
|
| Name | Type | Description | Arm Group Labels | Other Names |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kinesiology Tape | 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. |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Mean Velocity of Center of Pressure During Single-Leg Stance [mm/s] | 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. | Immediately before and within 10 minutes after tape application (per condition) |
| Sway Amplitude of Center of Pressure During Single-Leg Stance [mm] | 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. | Immediately before and within 10 minutes after tape application (per condition) |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Knee Joint Kinesthesia [°] | 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. |
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Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
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| Facility | Status | City | State | ZIP | Country | Contacts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences, Izola | Izola | Municipality of Izola | 6310 | Slovenia |
Individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared due to the small sample size, the nature of the data (short-term, non-clinical outcomes), and to protect participant confidentiality. Aggregated results will be published in scientific outlets and shared upon request.
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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.
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| Dynamic tape | 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. |
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| Immediately before and within 10 minutes after tape application (per condition) |