The effects of gluteus medius and tibialis anterior kinesio taping on postural control, knee kinematics, and knee proprioception in female athletes with dynamic knee valgus

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Kinesio taping on postural control, kinematics, and knee proprioception in female athletes with dynamic knee valgus (DKV). Design: a single-blind randomized clinical trial. 40 female athletes between the age of 18 and 28 years with DKV in single-leg drop landing (>13°) participated in this study. They were randomly classified into the Kinesio taping (KT) and placebo control (PC) groups. All the evaluations and measurements were performed on each subject in the pre-test and post-test stages (with an interval of 72 h). The dynamic balance (Y balance test), proprioception (Knee position sense error), and knee kinematics (flexion and DKV angles) of the subjects were measured, prior and post gluteus medius and tibialis anterior KT. The results of study demonstrate that the DKV angle and knee position sense error significantly decreased and YBT increased in the KT group from pre-test to post-test (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, there was no significant difference in knee flexion angle (p > 0.05). The results of the present study indicated that KT improves dynamic balance and proprioception and reduces the DKV angle. Therefore, KT is recommended for female athletes with DKV. • Dynamic knee valgus (DKV) is a malalignment in the frontal plane. • DKV is a risk factor for identifying women with a risk of lower extremity injuries. • Hip and ankle muscles may help to control the knee in the frontal plane. • Kinesio taping around knee improves dynamic balance and proprioception and reduces the DKV angle.