This study aims to compare the effects of two different ankle taping methods-kinesio taping and dynamic taping-on balance, vertical jump performance, and reaction time in basketball players.
Basketball involves frequent jumping, rapid changes in direction, and single-leg balance tasks that place substantial demands on ankle stability. Reduced ankle stability may negatively affect athletic performance and increase injury risk. Taping methods are commonly used in sports settings to support the ankle joint and enhance functional performance; however, limited comparative evidence exists in basketball players.
In this non-randomized, fixed-sequence crossover study, healthy male basketball players aged 18 to 30 years will receive both kinesio taping and dynamic taping applications separated by a one-week interval. Kinesio taping will be applied during the first session and dynamic taping during the second session. Each participant will serve as their own control. Performance assessments will be conducted immediately before and after each taping application.
Outcome measures include dynamic balance assessed using the Y-Balance Test, vertical jump performance assessed using a mobile application-based jump test, and lower extremity visuomotor reaction time assessed using a visual stimulus-response task.
All procedures are non-invasive and associated with minimal risk. The findings are expected to contribute to evidence-based taping strategies aimed at improving athletic performance and supporting ankle function in basketball players.
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
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
Crossover
Kinesio Taping
Other interventionKinesio taping is an elastic therapeutic taping method applied to the ankle to enhance proprioceptive input and neuromuscular control without restricting joint range of motion. In this study, kinesio taping is applied with the ankle positioned in dorsiflexion during application. The elastic tape is applied from the plantar surface of the foot across the calcaneus and Achilles tendon toward the gastrocnemius muscle following standardized kinesio taping principles.
Dynamic Taping
Other interventionDynamic taping is an elastic therapeutic taping method designed to provide mechanical load absorption and elastic recoil support to the ankle joint. In this study, dynamic taping is applied with the ankle positioned in plantarflexion during application. The tape follows the same anatomical pathway from the plantar surface of the foot across the calcaneus and Achilles tendon toward the gastrocnemius muscle. This application aims to provide mechanical support and sensory feedback without restricting ankle range of motion.
Dynamic Balance Performance
Dynamic balance performance will be assessed using the Y-Balance Test. Reach distances in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions will be measured and normalized to limb length. A composite Y-Balance score will be calculated for each condition.
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