The Impact of Kinesio Taping on Balance, Agility, and Jumping in Adolescent Basketball Players Aged 12-18.

Basketball is a physically demanding and high-paced sport that requires balance, strength, stability, and agility. Kinesio taping, a method commonly used in athlete health where physiotherapists are involved, will be examined for its effect on the lower extremities of young basketball players. Kinesio tape allows for approximately 50-60% elongation of its own length and has a thickness similar to that of the epidermis layer of the skin. It can be applied with appropriate technique and tension to reduce pain, swelling, and muscle spasms, as well as to correct mechanical issues. In this study, researchers aimed to investigate the effect of kinesio taping on adolescent male basketball players. Kinesio taping will be applied to two different areas: the ankle and knee regions. The overall goal of this application is to increase stability and balance. The results of the applied tests will be evaluated. The effects of kinesio taping on balance, agility, and jumping performance in basketball players will be examined. In the research, parameters of balance, agility, and jumping performance will be examined. Researchers have specific tests for these parameters, including the Star Balance Test for balance, the T-Agility Test for agility, and the Vertical Jump Test for jumping performance. In the Star Balance Test, lines are drawn on the ground. The individual stands on their dominant foot and reaches out with the tip of the contralateral foot to touch these lines, and points are recorded. In the T-Agility Test, a course is set up, and the participant is asked to complete it as quickly as possible, with time being recorded.

As implied by its name, cones are placed in a T-shape for the T-Agility Test, and the individual is required to touch the cones and return to the starting point as quickly as possible. In the Vertical Jump Test, the individual is asked to jump as high as possible against a wall-mounted ruler, and the highest point reached is recorded. The Kinesio tape used in the study is designed to reflect the characteristics of the skin and allow for approximately 55-60% elongation of its original length. These tests are first conducted without Kinesio tape and then repeated with Kinesio tape applied. Rest intervals are provided between tests.

All participants will be asked to fill out a sociodemographic form and a consent form

Inclusion criteria

• Participants must be athletes. They must have been engaged in sports for at least 1 year. Only male individuals will be included. Male individuals aged between 12 and 18 will be included.

Exclusion criteria

• Participants must not have experienced ankle or knee injuries in the last 3 months.