Comparative Effects of Kinesio and Dynamic Taping on Ankle Performance in Basketball Players

This study is designed as a non-randomized, controlled, two-period fixed-sequence crossover investigation examining the acute effects of two elastic ankle taping techniques in competitive basketball players.

A total of 20 licensed male basketball players aged between 18 and 30 years voluntarily participate in the study after providing written informed consent. Each participant undergoes two separate testing sessions spaced one week apart. Kinesio taping is applied during the first session and Dynamic taping during the second session. This within-subject crossover structure allows comparison of acute responses while minimizing inter-individual variability.

All sessions are conducted in the same indoor environment under standardized conditions. Testing is performed at similar times of day for each participant. All taping procedures and performance assessments are carried out by the same researcher to ensure procedural consistency.

Taping Application Protocol Before tape application, the skin over the ankle and posterior lower leg is cleaned using an alcohol-based solution. Participants are positioned prone with the knee flexed and hip extended during preparation.

During Kinesio taping application, the ankle is positioned in dorsiflexion. During Dynamic taping application, the ankle is positioned in plantarflexion. The tape is applied beginning from the metatarsal head region along the plantar surface of the foot, extending across the calcaneus and Achilles tendon, and continuing proximally to include the gastrocnemius muscle. When the application reaches the knee region, the knee is brought into extension and the procedure is completed. All applications follow standardized procedures described in the literature.

Performance assessments are conducted immediately before and immediately after each taping application within the same session to evaluate acute effects.

Vertical Jump Assessment Vertical jump performance is assessed using the My Jump 2 mobile application. A single-leg jump protocol is performed using the dominant leg. Participants begin in an upright position with hands placed on the hips. They perform a rapid downward movement followed by a maximal vertical jump. Forced ankle dorsiflexion during the flight phase is not allowed.

Three trials are performed under standardized verbal instructions, and the best performance is retained for analysis. The application calculates jump height (cm), flight time (ms), velocity (m/s), force (N), and power (W) from video analysis.

Dynamic Balance Assessment Dynamic balance is evaluated using the Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test. Participants stand barefoot at the center of the testing grid while maintaining hands on the hips. The dominant leg serves as the stance limb while the contralateral limb reaches in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions.

Three trials are performed in each direction. Maximum reach distances are recorded and normalized to limb length. A composite score is calculated using the formula:

Composite (%) = [(Anterior + Posteromedial + Posterolateral) / (3 × Limb Length)] × 100 Visuomotor Reaction Time Assessment Lower extremity visuomotor reaction time is assessed using a light-based visual stimulus-response task. Participants begin at a standardized starting position and respond to illuminated modules by contacting the activated target as quickly as possible.

Each participant completes three 30-second practice trials followed by a one-minute recorded trial. Thirty-second rest intervals are provided between attempts to minimize fatigue effects. The stance limb during testing is considered the dominant side according to the study protocol.

Statistical Analysis Data are analyzed using appropriate statistical software. Continuous variables are reported as mean ± standard deviation or median values depending on distribution. Normality is assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test.

Within-condition pre-post comparisons are analyzed using paired statistical tests. Differences between Kinesio taping and Dynamic taping are evaluated by comparing change scores between conditions. Effect sizes are calculated to quantify magnitude of differences. Statistical significance is set at p < 0.05.

Inclusion criteria

• Male professional basketball players aged between 18 and 30 years
• Actively training and competing with a professional basketball team
• No history of lower extremity surgery within the past 6 months
• No acute lower extremity injury at the time of assessment
• Ability to perform single-leg jumping, balance, and reaction time tests
• Willingness to participate in the study and provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Presence of any acute musculoskeletal injury affecting the lower extremity
• History of ankle fracture, ligament rupture, or surgery within the past 6 months
• Neurological, vestibular, or systemic conditions affecting balance or motor performance
• Known allergy or skin reaction to adhesive taping materials
• Use of ankle bracing or taping within 48 hours prior to testing
• Inability to complete the assessment procedures