Kinesiology Taping Added to Whole-Body Vibration-Based Stabilization Training for Chronic Ankle Instability: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is associated with impaired neuromuscular control, dynamic balance, and perceived ankle stability. This two-group randomized controlled trial investigated the additional effects of kinesiology taping during whole-body vibration (WBV)-based stabilization training in recreational badminton players with CAI. Forty participants (21 men and 19 women; mean age approximately 24 years) were randomly assigned to a stabilization exercise with taping group (SET; n = 20) or a stabilization exercise group (SE; n = 20). Both groups performed 30 min of WBV-based stabilization training five times per week for 6 weeks. Training intensity progressed from 35 Hz and 2 mm to 40 Hz and 4 mm with increasing task difficulty. In the SET group, 5 cm Kinesio Tex tape was applied to the affected ankle using a standardized three-strip technique with approximately 30% tension. The primary outcome was the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), while peroneus longus muscle activation and Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) scores were secondary outcomes. Outcomes were analyzed using a 2 × 2 mixed-design ANOVA, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Significant group × time interactions were observed for SEBT scores (p = 0.018), peroneus longus muscle activation (p = 0.022), and CAIT scores (p = 0.012). Mean improvements were greater in the SET group than in the SE group for SEBT scores (11.7 ± 10.2 vs. 4.0 ± 9.5 percentage points), peroneus longus muscle activation (19.9 ± 15.3 vs. 7.9 ± 16.5% MVIC), and CAIT scores (4.6 ± 3.2 vs. 1.8 ± 3.4 points). These findings suggest that kinesiology taping added to WBV-based stabilization training may provide an additional short-term benefit for dynamic balance, peroneus longus muscle activation, and perceived ankle stability in recreational badminton players with CAI; however, because no sham-taping condition was included, these findings do not establish the independent efficacy of kinesiology taping.