Effects of Different Kinesio Taping Techniques on Plantar Fascia Stiffness, Balance, and Ankle Joint Position Sense in Healthy Young Adults

NCT07703930 | Completed

• 2 other identifiers: KT-PF-2025-IST-01IAU-ETHICS-116-2025
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 134
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled study aimed to compare the short-term effects of three different kinesio taping techniques on plantar fascia elasticity, dynamic balance, and ankle joint position sense in healthy young adults. A total of 120 participants aged 18-25 years were randomly assigned to facilitation kinesio taping, ankle stabilization taping, or sham taping groups. Plantar fascia mechanical properties were assessed using MyotonPRO, dynamic balance was evaluated with the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT), and joint position sense was measured using the active angle reproduction method. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 24 hours, and 48 hours after tape application.

Conditions

Healthy Young Adults

Keywords

Kinesio Taping; Plantar Fascia Elasticity; Proprioception; Balance; mSEBT; MyotonPRO

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (5)

• Change in plantar fascia frequency measured by MyotonPRO

  Plantar fascia frequency will be assessed using the MyotonPRO device. The measurement evaluates the oscillation frequency of the plantar fascia tissue following mechanical impulse application. Measurements will be performed at baseline, 24 hours, and 48 hours after kinesio taping intervention.

  Baseline, 24 hours after intervention, and 48 hours after intervention

• Change in plantar fascia stiffness measured by MyotonPRO

  Plantar fascia stiffness(N/m) will be assessed using the MyotonPRO device. The measurement represents the resistance of plantar fascia tissue to external mechanical deformation. Measurements will be performed at baseline, 24 hours, and 48 hours after kinesio taping intervention.

  Baseline, 24 hours after intervention, and 48 hours after intervention

• Change in plantar fascia decrement measured by MyotonPRO

  Plantar fascia decrement will be assessed using the MyotonPRO device. Decrement represents the mechanical damping characteristics and elasticity of the plantar fascia tissue. Measurements will be performed at baseline, 24 hours after intervention, and 48 hours after intervention.

  Baseline, 24 hours after intervention, and 48 hours after intervention

• Change in plantar fascia relaxation time measured by MyotonPRO

  Plantar fascia relaxation(ms) time will be assessed using the MyotonPRO device. Relaxation time represents the time required for the tissue to return toward its baseline mechanical state after mechanical deformation. Measurements will be performed at baseline, 24 hours, and 48 hours after kinesio taping intervention.

  Baseline, 24 hours after intervention, and 48 hours after intervention

• Change in plantar fascia creep measured by MyotonPRO

  Plantar fascia creep(De) will be assessed using the MyotonPRO device. Creep represents the gradual deformation behavior of plantar fascia tissue under mechanical loading. Measurements will be performed at baseline, 24 hours, and 48 hours after kinesio taping intervention.

  Baseline, 24 hours after intervention, and 48 hours after intervention

Secondary Outcomes (5)

• Change in anterior reach distance measured by modified Star Excursion Balance Test

  Baseline, 24 hours after intervention, and 48 hours after intervention

• Change in posteromedial reach distance measured by modified Star Excursion Balance Test

  Baseline, 24 hours after intervention, and 48 hours after intervention

• Change in posterolateral reach distance measured by modified Star Excursion Balance Test

  Baseline, 24 hours after intervention, and 48 hours after intervention

• Change in composite score of modified Star Excursion Balance Test

  Baseline, 24 hours after intervention, and 48 hours after intervention

• Change in ankle joint position sense accuracy measured by active angle reproduction method

  Baseline, 24 hours after intervention, and 48 hours after intervention

Study Arms (3)

Facilitation KT Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants received facilitation kinesio taping applied to the plantar fascia.

Device: Facilitation Kinesio Taping

Ankle Stabilization KT Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants received ankle stabilization kinesio taping intervention.

Device: Ankle Stabilization Taping

Sham Taping Group

SHAM COMPARATOR

Participants received sham taping without therapeutic tension or corrective technique.

Device: Sham Taping

Interventions

Facilitation Kinesio Taping DEVICE

Facilitation kinesio taping was applied to support plantar fascia function.

Facilitation KT Group

Ankle Stabilization Taping DEVICE

Ankle stabilization taping was applied to improve ankle stability and proprioceptive control.

Ankle Stabilization KT Group

Sham Taping DEVICE

Sham taping was applied without therapeutic tension or corrective technique.

Sham Taping Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 25 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Healthy young adults aged 18-25 years
• No history of lower extremity injury affecting ankle function
• Full, pain-free ankle range of motion in all directions

You may not qualify if:

• History of ankle dislocation or fracture within the previous year
• Previous foot or ankle surgery
• Pain during ankle movements
• Open wounds or skin allergy preventing kinesio taping application
• Psychiatric disorders or cognitive impairment affecting participation

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Beykent: lead

Study Sites (1)

Istanbul Aydin University

Istanbul, Beylikduzu, 34520, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Related Publications (1)

• Hosseini R. Effects of Different Kinesio Taping Methods on Plantar Fascia Elasticity, Balance, Vertical Jump Performance, Ankle Function, and Joint Position Sense. Master's Thesis. Istanbul Aydin University, Graduate Education Institute, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, 2025.

  RESULT

Study Officials

• Yasemin Şahbaz, Assistant Professor, PhD

  Istanbul Beykent University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT
• Masking Details: Participants were blinded to group allocation during the study period. Group assignment was performed using a computer-generated randomization program. The researcher who applied the taping interventions also performed the outcome assessments and was not blinded.
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Model Details: Participants were randomly assigned to one of three parallel intervention groups: facilitation kinesio taping, ankle stabilization kinesio taping, or sham taping. Each participant received only one assigned intervention.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 26, 2026
• First Posted: July 15, 2026
• Study Start: August 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: September 30, 2025
• Study Completion: September 30, 2025
• Last Updated: July 15, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)