Immediate effect of neuromuscular knee taping on static postural balance in university students

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the immediate effect of athletic tape (VNM) on knee static single-leg balance in university students. Methods: A randomized crossover trial was conducted in 20 Chilean students (age 23.4 ± 3.5 years; body mass 71.4 ± 16.3 kg; height 169.4 ± 10.2 cm; IMC 24.6 ± 2.7 kg/m²) from a regional university. After determining lower limb dominance, they underwent single-leg balance tests on a force platform, with eyes open (OA) and then with eyes closed (OC), comparing two conditions (without taping and with knee taping). The center of pressure (COP) excursion was immediately measured, and its elliptical area was then calculated. The tests were compared using the Friedman test and the Wilcoxon pairwise test. Results: Significant differences were found between the OA conditions with and without taping (p = 0.012), but not in the OC conditions (p = 0.093). Conclusion:VNM of the knee immediately improves static single-leg postural balance in OA conditions, but not in OC conditions. This may be due to the influence of kinesiotape on the proprioceptive system supported by visual input.