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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07703930

Effects of Different Kinesio Taping Techniques on Plantar Fascia Stiffness, Balance, and Ankle Joint Position Sense in Healthy Young Adults

This randomized controlled study aimed to compare the short-term effects of three different kinesio taping techniques on plantar fascia elasticity, dynamic balance, and ankle joint position sense in healthy young adults. A total of 120 participants aged 18-25 years were randomly assigned to facilitation kinesio taping, ankle stabilization taping, or sham taping groups. Plantar fascia mechanical properties were assessed using MyotonPRO, dynamic balance was evaluated with the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT), and joint position sense was measured using the active angle reproduction method. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 24 hours, and 48 hours after tape application.

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Key information

Conditions

Healthy Young Adults

Age range

18 year–25 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Istanbul Aydin University

Istanbul, Beylikduzu, 34520, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Kinesio taping is commonly used to improve neuromuscular control, proprioception, and lower-extremity biomechanics. However, the comparative effects of different kinesio taping techniques on plantar fascia mechanical behavior and functional performance remain unclear. This study was designed as a prospective randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of facilitation kinesio taping, ankle stabilization taping, and sham taping on plantar fascia elasticity, dynamic balance, and ankle joint position sense.

A total of 120 healthy young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 years participated in the study. Participants were randomly allocated into three intervention groups. Group 1 received facilitation kinesio taping, Group 2 received ankle stabilization taping, and Group 3 received sham taping. Plantar fascia viscoelastic properties including frequency, stiffness, relaxation time, and creep were evaluated using the MyotonPRO device. Dynamic balance performance was assessed using the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT), and ankle joint position sense was evaluated using the active angle reproduction method with the Dr.Goniometer application.

Measurements were performed at baseline, 24 hours, and 48 hours after tape application. The primary objective of the study was to determine whether different kinesio taping methods produce different short-term effects on plantar fascia elasticity and lower-extremity function.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Healthy young adults aged 18-25 years
  • No history of lower extremity injury affecting ankle function
  • Full, pain-free ankle range of motion in all directions

Exclusion criteria

  • History of ankle dislocation or fracture within the previous year
  • Previous foot or ankle surgery
  • Pain during ankle movements
  • Open wounds or skin allergy preventing kinesio taping application
  • Psychiatric disorders or cognitive impairment affecting participation

Treatment and study plan

Facilitation Kinesio Taping

Device

Facilitation kinesio taping was applied to support plantar fascia function.

Ankle Stabilization Taping

Device

Ankle stabilization taping was applied to improve ankle stability and proprioceptive control.

Sham Taping

Device

Sham taping was applied without therapeutic tension or corrective technique.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in plantar fascia frequency measured by MyotonPRO

    Time frame: Baseline, 24 hours after intervention, and 48 hours after intervention

    Plantar fascia frequency will be assessed using the MyotonPRO device. The measurement evaluates the oscillation frequency of the plantar fascia tissue following mechanical impulse application. Measurements will be performed at baseline, 24 hours, and 48 hours after kinesio taping intervention.

  2. Change in plantar fascia stiffness measured by MyotonPRO

    Time frame: Baseline, 24 hours after intervention, and 48 hours after intervention

    Plantar fascia stiffness(N/m) will be assessed using the MyotonPRO device. The measurement represents the resistance of plantar fascia tissue to external mechanical deformation. Measurements will be performed at baseline, 24 hours, and 48 hours after kinesio taping intervention.

  3. Change in plantar fascia decrement measured by MyotonPRO

    Time frame: Baseline, 24 hours after intervention, and 48 hours after intervention

    Plantar fascia decrement will be assessed using the MyotonPRO device. Decrement represents the mechanical damping characteristics and elasticity of the plantar fascia tissue. Measurements will be performed at baseline, 24 hours after intervention, and 48 hours after intervention.

  4. Change in plantar fascia relaxation time measured by MyotonPRO

    Time frame: Baseline, 24 hours after intervention, and 48 hours after intervention

    Plantar fascia relaxation(ms) time will be assessed using the MyotonPRO device. Relaxation time represents the time required for the tissue to return toward its baseline mechanical state after mechanical deformation. Measurements will be performed at baseline, 24 hours, and 48 hours after kinesio taping intervention.

  5. Change in plantar fascia creep measured by MyotonPRO

    Time frame: Baseline, 24 hours after intervention, and 48 hours after intervention

    Plantar fascia creep(De) will be assessed using the MyotonPRO device. Creep represents the gradual deformation behavior of plantar fascia tissue under mechanical loading. Measurements will be performed at baseline, 24 hours, and 48 hours after kinesio taping intervention.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in anterior reach distance measured by modified Star Excursion Balance Test

    Time frame: Baseline, 24 hours after intervention, and 48 hours after intervention

    Dynamic balance performance will be assessed using the anterior reach direction of the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT). Reach distance will be normalized to limb length and reported as a percentage. Measurements will be performed at baseline, 24 hours, and 48 hours after kinesio taping intervention.

  2. Change in posteromedial reach distance measured by modified Star Excursion Balance Test

    Time frame: Baseline, 24 hours after intervention, and 48 hours after intervention

    Dynamic balance performance will be assessed using the posteromedial reach direction of the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT). Reach distance will be normalized to limb length and reported as a percentage. Measurements will be performed at baseline, 24 hours, and 48 hours after kinesio taping intervention.

  3. Change in posterolateral reach distance measured by modified Star Excursion Balance Test

    Time frame: Baseline, 24 hours after intervention, and 48 hours after intervention

    Dynamic balance performance will be assessed using the posterolateral reach direction of the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT). Reach distance will be normalized to limb length and reported as a percentage. Measurements will be performed at baseline, 24 hours, and 48 hours after kinesio taping intervention.

  4. Change in composite score of modified Star Excursion Balance Test

    Time frame: Baseline, 24 hours after intervention, and 48 hours after intervention

    The composite score of dynamic balance performance will be calculated from anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral reach distances obtained during the modified Star Excursion Balance Test. The composite score will be normalized to limb length and reported as a percentage. Measurements will be performed at baseline, 24 hours, and 48 hours after kinesio taping intervention.

  5. Change in ankle joint position sense accuracy measured by active angle reproduction method

    Time frame: Baseline, 24 hours after intervention, and 48 hours after intervention

    Ankle joint position sense will be assessed using the active angle reproduction method with the Dr.Goniometer application. Participants will reproduce target ankle positions of 5 degrees plantar flexion and 5 degrees dorsiflexion. The absolute difference between the target angle and reproduced angle will be recorded as angular error. Measurements will be performed at baseline, 24 hours, and 48 hours after kinesio taping intervention.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Beykent

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Effects of Different Kinesio Taping Techniques on Plantar Fascia Stiffness, Balance, and Ankle Joint Position Sense in Healthy Young Adults

Acronym: KT-PF

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jul 15, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 15, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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