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Chronic Ankle Instability, CAIFAST-CAINCT07627165

Effects of Rigid and Kinesio Taping on Balance and Performance in Chronic Ankle Instability

A study testing Rigid Subtalar Sling Taping and Kinesio Subtalar Sling Taping in people with Chronic Ankle Instability, CAI, run by Istanbul Nisantasi University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the immediate effects of rigid subtalar sling taping, kinesio subtalar sling taping, and sham taping on balance, proprioception, ankle mobility, and functional performance in physically active adults with chronic ankle instability. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 35 years
Conditions the study is for
Chronic Ankle Instability, CAI
What is being tested?
Rigid Subtalar Sling Taping and Kinesio Subtalar Sling Taping
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
90 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
1 Jun 2025to 31 Dec 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 35 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Age between 18 and 35 years.
  • Physically active individuals participating in physical activity at least three times per week.
  • History of at least one significant lateral ankle sprain.
  • Self-reported episodes of ankle giving way, recurrent sprains, or feelings of instability during the previous six months.
  • Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) score ≤24.
  • Ability to understand study procedures and provide written informed consent.

Who cannot join

  • Acute lower-extremity injury within the previous three months.
  • Previous lower-extremity fracture requiring surgical management.
  • History of lower-extremity surgery.
  • Vestibular, neurological, or systemic disorders affecting balance, movement, or proprioception.
  • Current musculoskeletal pain that limits participation in testing procedures.
  • Known allergy or sensitivity to adhesive tape materials.
  • Participation in another rehabilitation or intervention study during the study period.
  • Inability to complete the fatigue protocol or functional performance assessments safely.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
  • İstanbul Nisantasi University

    Istanbul, Istanbul

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: Immediate and Fatigue-Related Effects of Rigid and Kinesio Subtalar Sling Taping on Dynamic Balance, Proprioception, and Functional Performance in Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the immediate effects of rigid subtalar sling taping, kinesio subtalar sling taping, and sham taping on balance, proprioception, ankle mobility, and functional performance in physically active adults with chronic ankle instability.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

Read more
  • Does rigid subtalar sling taping improve dynamic balance, ankle proprioception, ankle dorsiflexion mobility, and functional performance in individuals with chronic ankle instability?
  • Does rigid subtalar sling taping provide greater benefits than kinesio subtalar sling taping or sham taping under fatigue and recovery conditions?

Researchers will compare rigid subtalar sling taping, kinesio subtalar sling taping, and sham taping to determine their effects on balance, proprioception, ankle mobility, and functional performance before fatigue, after fatigue, and following recovery.

Participants will:

  • Complete baseline assessments of dynamic balance, ankle proprioception, ankle dorsiflexion mobility, and functional performance.
  • Be randomly assigned to receive rigid subtalar sling taping, kinesio subtalar sling taping, or sham taping.
  • Repeat all outcome assessments immediately after tape application.
  • Perform a standardized fatigue protocol consisting of running, hopping, jumping, and heel-raise exercises until predefined fatigue criteria are reached.
  • Complete all outcome assessments immediately after the fatigue protocol.
  • Rest in a seated position for 20 minutes.
  • Complete a final set of outcome assessments following recovery.

The study aims to identify whether subtalar sling taping can improve functional performance and neuromuscular control in physically active individuals with chronic ankle instability and whether these effects are maintained after fatigue and recovery.

Read the detailed description

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a common long-term consequence of lateral ankle sprains and is characterized by recurrent episodes of ankle giving way, impaired sensorimotor control, reduced dynamic balance, and functional limitations during physical activity. Persistent deficits in proprioception, postural control, and movement performance may increase the risk of recurrent injury and negatively affect participation in sports and recreational activities.

External ankle support strategies are frequently used to improve stability and reduce the risk of recurrent ankle sprains. Among these strategies, rigid taping and kinesio taping are widely applied in both rehabilitation and sports settings. Rigid taping is primarily intended to provide mechanical support and limit excessive joint motion, whereas kinesio taping is believed to enhance sensorimotor function through cutaneous stimulation and improved neuromuscular feedback. Despite their widespread use, evidence regarding their comparative effectiveness remains inconsistent, particularly under fatigue conditions.

Fatigue is considered an important contributor to injury risk because it may impair proprioception, dynamic balance, joint stability, and functional performance. Since many ankle sprains occur during the later stages of physical activity when fatigue is present, understanding whether taping interventions can preserve performance under fatigue may have important implications for injury prevention and rehabilitation.

This randomized controlled trial was designed to compare the immediate and fatigue-related effects of rigid subtalar sling taping, kinesio subtalar sling taping, and sham taping in physically active individuals with chronic ankle instability. Assessments were performed before intervention, immediately after tape application, following a standardized fatigue protocol, and after a recovery period to evaluate both immediate responses and the ability of the interventions to maintain performance under physiologically demanding conditions.

The findings of this study may contribute to evidence-based recommendations regarding taping applications for individuals with chronic ankle instability and may help clinicians select appropriate external support strategies during rehabilitation, return-to-sport decision-making, and injury prevention programs.

Being tested
Rigid Subtalar Sling Taping, Kinesio Subtalar Sling Taping, Sham Taping
Keywords
Chronic Ankle Instability, Ankle Instability, Kinesio Taping, Rigid Taping, Subtalar Sling Taping, Dynamic Balance, Proprioception, Y-Balance Test, Functional Performance

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Rigid Subtalar Sling TapingOther

    A rigid athletic tape application designed to provide mechanical support to the subtalar and ankle joints and restrict excessive motion associated with chronic ankle instability.

  • Kinesio Subtalar Sling TapingOther

    A kinesiology tape application designed to enhance sensorimotor feedback and improve neuromuscular control without substantially restricting ankle motion.

  • Sham TapingOther

    A placebo taping application intended to mimic taping procedures without providing meaningful mechanical support or sensorimotor enhancement.

Study groups in NCT07627165
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Rigid Subtalar Sling TapingExperimentalParticipants will receive rigid subtalar sling taping applied by a trained investigator prior to performance testing and the fatigue protocol.
Receives: Other: Rigid Subtalar Sling Taping
Kinesio Subtalar Sling TapingExperimentalParticipants will receive kinesio subtalar sling taping applied by a trained investigator prior to performance testing and the fatigue protocol.
Receives: Other: Kinesio Subtalar Sling Taping
Sham TapingSham comparatorParticipants will receive a sham taping application that does not provide mechanical support or intended sensorimotor facilitation prior to performance testing and the fatigue protocol.
Receives: Other: Sham Taping

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Y-Balance Test Composite Score

    Dynamic balance performance assessed using the Y-Balance Test (YBT) Composite Score. The composite score is calculated as the sum of the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral reach distances divided by three times the participant's leg length and multiplied by 100. Scores are expressed as a percentage, with higher scores indicating better dynamic balance performance. There is no fixed minimum or maximum score, although values typically range between 0 and 100%.

    Measured: Baseline, immediately after taping, immediately after the fatigue protocol, and 20 minutes after completion of the fatigue protocol.

Secondary outcomes (5)
  1. Ankle Joint Position Sense Error

    Ankle proprioception assessed using active ankle Joint Position Sense (JPS) error measured in degrees (°). The outcome represents the absolute difference between the target angle and the reproduced angle. The minimum possible value is 0°, with lower values indicating better proprioceptive accuracy and higher values indicating worse proprioceptive performance.

    Measured: Baseline, immediately after taping, immediately after the fatigue protocol, and 20 minutes after completion of the fatigue protocol.

  2. Weight-Bearing Lunge Test Distance

    Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion assessed using the Weight-Bearing Lunge Test (WBLT). The maximum distance (cm) from the great toe to the wall while maintaining heel contact with the ground is recorded. Higher values indicate greater ankle dorsiflexion mobility. There is no fixed maximum value.

    Measured: Baseline, immediately after taping, immediately after the fatigue protocol, and 20 minutes after completion of the fatigue protocol.

  3. Single-Leg Hop Distance

    Functional performance assessed using the Single-Leg Hop Test. The maximum forward hop distance is measured in centimeters (cm). Higher values indicate better functional performance. There is no fixed maximum value.

    Measured: Baseline, immediately after taping, immediately after the fatigue protocol, and 20 minutes after completion of the fatigue protocol.

  4. Side Hop Test Performance

    Functional performance assessed using the Side Hop Test. The total time required to complete the test is recorded in seconds (s). Lower values indicate better performance. There is no fixed maximum value.

    Measured: Baseline, immediately after taping, immediately after the fatigue protocol, and 20 minutes after completion of the fatigue protocol.

  5. Figure-of-8 Hop Test Performance

    Functional performance assessed using the Figure-of-8 Hop Test. The total completion time is recorded in seconds (s). Lower values indicate better functional performance. There is no fixed maximum value.

    Measured: Baseline, immediately after taping, immediately after the fatigue protocol, and 20 minutes after completion of the fatigue protocol.

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted4 Jun 2026
  2. Study start1 Jun 2025
  3. Primary completion1 Dec 2025
  4. Study completion31 Dec 2025

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Participants will be randomly allocated to one of three parallel intervention groups: rigid subtalar sling taping, kinesio subtalar sling taping, or sham taping. Participants will remain in their assigned group throughout the study, and outcomes will be assessed across multiple time points to evaluate immediate and fatigue-related effects of the interventions.
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
90 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07627165
Sponsor's protocol ID
OASTaping
Acronym
FAST-CAI
Status last verified
Jun 2026
First submitted
30 May 2026
Last updated
15 Jun 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Yes: De-identified individual participant data underlying the results reported in this study will be available upon reasonable request to the corresponding author.

Publications

  • Meng S, Fu X, Xu Y, Zhang X, Peng Z, Cao Y, Tang B, Shi X, Liu K, Zhu J. The effects of kinesio taping on dynamic balance in patients with chronic ankle instability: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Physiol. 2026 Apr 27;17:1823162. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2026.1823162. eCollection 2026.

    PubMed 42125191
  • Wang X, Shao X, Yu R, Wang Y, Deng F, Adams R, Han J. Acute effects of kinesiology tape on dynamic balance control in chronic ankle instability: An exploratory study. Phys Ther Sport. 2023 Jul;62:65-70. doi: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2023.06.005. Epub 2023 Jun 29.

    PubMed 37399706
  • Powden CJ, Hoch JM, Hoch MC. Rehabilitation and Improvement of Health-Related Quality-of-Life Detriments in Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Meta-Analysis. J Athl Train. 2017 Aug;52(8):753-765. doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-52.5.01. Epub 2017 Jul 13.

    PubMed 28704635
  • Wikstrom EA, Brown CN. Minimum reporting standards for copers in chronic ankle instability research. Sports Med. 2014 Feb;44(2):251-68. doi: 10.1007/s40279-013-0111-4.

    PubMed 24122774
  • Gribble PA, Delahunt E, Bleakley C, Caulfield B, Docherty CL, Fourchet F, Fong D, Hertel J, Hiller C, Kaminski TW, McKeon PO, Refshauge KM, van der Wees P, Vicenzino B, Wikstrom EA. Selection criteria for patients with chronic ankle instability in controlled research: a position statement of the International Ankle Consortium. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2013 Aug;43(8):585-91. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2013.0303. Epub 2013 Jul 31.

    PubMed 23902805
  • Wilkerson GB, Kovaleski JE, Meyer M, Stawiz C. Effects of the subtalar sling ankle taping technique on combined talocrural-subtalar joint motions. Foot Ankle Int. 2005 Mar;26(3):239-46. doi: 10.1177/107110070502600310.

    PubMed 15766428

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Rigid Subtalar Sling Taping and Kinesio Subtalar Sling Taping in people with Chronic Ankle Instability, CAI, run by Istanbul Nisantasi University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 15 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Y-Balance Test Composite Score (time frame: Baseline, immediately after taping, immediately after the fatigue protocol, and 20 minutes after completion of the fatigue protocol.). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07627165, which also lists 6 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 15 Jun 2026.

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