Which kinesio tape application affects static balance: Combination of correction and facilitation techniques vs facilitation technique in healthy subjects? a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to explore whether the correction on the retinaculum of the ankle with facilitation on the peroneal muscle or the facilitation technique on the peroneal muscle had an immediate effect on static balance in healthy subjects. Material and Methods: Sixty healthy individuals were investigated. Individuals were randomly separated into 3 groups. KT was applied using the facilitation technique on the peroneal muscle, or the facilitation technique on the peroneal muscle, and the correction technique on the retinaculum of the ankle. No KT was applied to the control group. The standing stork test was used to evaluate static balance with opened and closed eyes. Results: There was no difference in static balance between the groups with opened and closed eyes before and after KT application (p>0.05). There was no difference in static balance before and after KT application with opened and closed eyes in the KT -2 group (p>0.05). However, there was a significant difference in static balance before and after KT application in the KT -1 group with closed eyes (p<0.05). Conclusion: Applying the facilitation technique on peroneal muscles improved static balance when eyes were closed. No effect was observed when the correction and facilitation techniques were used together on the ankle. Many KT techniques on the ankle are not required to improve static balance; they can even affect static balance negatively.