The effects of kinesio taping on dynamic balance in patients with chronic ankle instability: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Kinesio taping (KT) is commonly used as an adjunct in the rehabilitation of chronic ankle instability (CAI) and is proposed to enhance proprioception and dynamic stability. However, evidence regarding its clinical effectiveness remains inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify the effects of KT on dynamic balance and related functional outcomes in individuals with CAI. Methods We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and the VIP Database, covering the period from the inception of each database to 1 October 2025. Randomized controlled trials or randomized crossover trials involving KT intervention for CAI patients were included. Outcome measures included Y-balance test (YBT) scores (anterior, posteromedial, posterolateral), Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) scores (anterior, posteromedial, posterolateral), and Single Hop Distance Test (SHDT). The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to assess study quality, and the certainty of evidence for the outcomes was evaluated using the GRADE approach. Meta-analysis was conducted using Stata 18.0 software, with results presented as standardized mean differences ( SMD ) and their 95% confidence intervals ( 95% CI ). Results A total of 8 studies involving 190 participants from 4 countries/regions were included. Compared with the control group, the KT group showed a small but significant improvement in the YBT total score ( SMD = 0.269, 95% CI : 0.031-0.508), YBT posterolateral score ( SMD = 0.385, 95% CI : 0.106-0.664), and SEBT anterior score ( SMD = 0.686, 95% CI : 0.083-1.289), suggesting that KT may exert a modest beneficial effect on dynamic balance in certain directions. However, no statistically significant differences were observed between groups for SEBT total score, posteromedial and posterolateral directions, or SHDT ( P >0.05). Conclusion Current evidence suggests that KT may provide a modest, direction-specific improvement in dynamic balance in individuals with CAI, while additional benefits for functional performance remain uncertain. KT may be considered a simple and low-cost adjunct to comprehensive rehabilitation (e.g., strengthening, proprioceptive, and balance training), but should not replace conventional interventions. Further high-quality trials with standardized taping protocols and medium- to long-term follow-up are needed. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ , identifier CRD420251165413.