The Effects of Balance Exercises on Unstable Surfaces and Taping on Static Balance Ability and Gait in Adults with Ankle Instability

Ankle instability refers to a condition where ligaments and surrounding tissues become weakened and compromised due to a lack of proper treatment. A significant percentage of cases are caused by lateral ankle sprains, which result in symptoms such as pain, swelling, instability, and giving way, negatively impacting balance and gait. This study investigated whether kinesio taping is effective when combined with balance training on unstable surfaces, assessing its impact on static balance and gait. Since there are conflicting views on the actual effectiveness of kinesio taping, this study aimed to serve as a bridge connecting various research findings. Fifteen adults were divided into an exercise group and a group that combined kinesio taping with exercise therapy. Both groups followed the same exercise program for four weeks. Static balance and gait were measured before and after the intervention using the Zebris FDM-SX and BTS G-sensor. In terms of static balance, the exercise group showed a trend towards improvement, with a reduction in the 95% confidence ellipse area of approximately 830mm² after the intervention. In the group combining kinesio taping with balance exercises, a statistically significant reduction was observed after the intervention (p<.05). Regarding gait, the group that combined kinesio taping with balance exercises showed a significant increase in walking speed and stride length after the intervention (p<.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the exercise group and the group that combined kinesio taping with balance exercises. Combining balance exercises with kinesio taping is effective in improving gait and static balance.