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

NCT06942585 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: DAKTIK
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 24
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

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.

Conditions

Dynamic Tape; Kinesiology Taping

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• 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)

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Knee Joint Kinesthesia [°]

  Immediately before and within 10 minutes after tape application (per condition)

Study Arms (2)

Kinesiology tape

EXPERIMENTAL

Kinesiology tape (KT) applied to the knee and ankle

Device: Kinesiology Tape

Dynamic tape

EXPERIMENTAL

Dynamic tape (DT) applied to the knee and ankle

Device: Dynamic tape

Interventions

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.

Kinesiology tape

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.

Dynamic tape

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 45 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• 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

You may not qualify if:

• 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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Primorska: lead

Study Sites (1)

University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences, Izola

Izola, Izola, 6310, Slovenia

Location

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: PREVENTION
• Intervention Model: CROSSOVER
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant professor

Model Details: 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.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 8, 2025
• First Posted: April 24, 2025
• Study Start: April 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: May 16, 2025
• Study Completion: May 19, 2025
• Last Updated: May 23, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-05

Locations

SL (1)