ACUTE EFFECT OF ANKLE DYNAMIC TAPING AND KINESIO TAPING ON BALANCE AND LOWER EXTREMITY FUNCTIONAL PERFORMANCE IN HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS

Abstract

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 effect (2 hours) of DT and KT on dynamic balance and functional performance in healthy individuals. Method: 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 with Y Balance Test, while functional performance was evaluated with Single Hop Test, Triple Hop Test, Cross Over Hop Test, and 6 Meter Timed Hop Test. Results: There was a significant difference in Y balance posteromedial test between three conditions (p0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that ankle KT enhances dynamic balance in healthy individuals.