Acute Effect of Dynamic Taping and Kinesio Taping Applied to the Ankle on Balance and Lower Extremity Functional Performance in Healthy Individuals

Objective: The ankle-foot complex is integral to maintaining balance as it gathers proprioceptive data. Dynamic taping (DT) and Kinesio taping (KT) are special elastic therapeutic tape applied to the skin. This study aims to investigate the acute effects (2 hours) of DT and KT on dynamic balance and functional performance in healthy individuals. Methods: A total of 15 adults (7 males and 8 females) were included in the study. Participants underwent testing under three conditions (No taping, DT, and KT). Balance was assessed using the Y Balance Test, while functional performance was evaluated using the Single Hop Test, Triple Hop Test, Cross Over Hop Test, and 6 Meter Timed Hop Test. Results: Results indicated a significant difference in balance between the no-taping and KT (p < 0.05). However, no differences were observed between the three conditions in functional performance. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that ankle KT enhances dynamic balance in healthy individuals.