Background
The ankle–foot complex plays a key role in maintaining balance because it collects proprioceptive data. Kinesio taping (KT) is a rehabilitative method performed by the cutaneous application of a special elastic tape. The mechanical correction technique of KT was suggested to reposition the joints and alter balance parameters. The aim was to reveal the pure effects of ankle KT on balance, range of motion (ROM), and muscle strength in healthy individuals.
Methods
Forty healthy students were recruited for this randomized, sham-controlled study at a local university. Participants were divided into two groups—experimental and sham application groups. The primary outcome measures were balance parameters. Athlete Single Leg (ASL), Limits of Stability (LoS), and Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance (CTSIB) were used to measure single-leg dynamic balance, dynamic postural control, and sensory interaction of balance, respectively. Dorsiflexion ROM and dorsiflexor muscle strength were the secondary outcomes.
Results
The ASL score showed significant improvement only in the experimental KT group (P=0.02); however, the LoS score increased significantly in both groups (P<0.05). CTSIB scores, dorsiflexion ROM, and dorsiflexor muscle strength for both ankles did not change in any of the groups after intervention (P>0.05). Moreover, there was no superiority of one intervention over the other in improving any of the variables (P>0.05).
Conclusion
The mechanical correction technique of KT can be useful in providing immediate improvement in single-leg dynamic balance in healthy individuals. However, it may not be effective to significantly change the sensory interaction of balance, dorsiflexion ROM, and muscle strength.

Citations

• Effects of Ankle and Gluteus Medius Kinesio Taping on Dynamic Balance and Lower Extremity Biomechanics in Individuals with Ankle Sprain
  Kyoung-Yeol Jeong, Tae-Gyu Kim, Seong-Hwan Moon, Soo-Yong Kim, Il-Young Yu
  PNF and Movement.2026; 24(1): 85.     CrossRef
• Efficacy of ankle Kinesio taping on balance and functional performance in obese female collegiate students: a prospective randomized placebo-controlled trial
  Nesma M. Allam, Hadaya Mosaad Eladl, Dalia Mahmoud Abdelmonem Elsherbini, Moaz Abulfaraj, Moneer E. Almadani, Ateya Megahed Ibrahim, Mohamed El-Sherbiny, Mohamed A. Eladl, Nermine Nosseir, Reda Jamjoom
  Frontiers in Public Health.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Comparison of Kinesio Taping, Lumbar Belt and Joint Mobilization on Balance and Proprioception in Older Adults with Chronic Ankle Instability
  Heeyong Park, Daihee Kam, Sehun Park, Jaechan Lee, Hanbyul Park, Wonjae Choi
  Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science.2025; 14(4): 574.     CrossRef
• Effects of Virtual Reality on Analgesia in Wound Care and Physical Therapy for Burn Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
  Jiaqi Lou, JiLiang Li, Youfen Fan, Chun Zhang, Neng Huang
  Pain Management Nursing.2024; 25(4): 377.     CrossRef
• Acute effects of kinesiology taping on physical parameters and functional performance in handball players: a double-blinded, randomised placebo-controlled trial
  Eren Arabaci, Ertugrul Deniz Kose, Kubra Okuyucu
  Sport Sciences for Health.2024; 20(4): 1333.     CrossRef
• Functional ankle taping correction on plantar foot ulcer healing in diabetic patients: Randomized controlled trial
  Ahmed Elfahl, Sobhy Aly, Heba Elfeky
  Physiotherapy Practice and Research.2024; : 1.     CrossRef
• Immediate effects of elastic tape application on the foot sole: a randomized controlled trial
  Riyaka Ito, Tatsuya Igawa, Ryunosuke Urata, Shomaru Ito, Kosuke Suzuki, Marino Suzuki, Akira Kubo
  Journal of Physical Therapy Science.2023; 35(7): 497.     CrossRef