Can a simple tape fix a wobbly ankle? new study tests two methods
NCT ID NCT07627165
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looked at whether two types of ankle tape (rigid and kinesio) improve balance, joint awareness, and function in 90 physically active adults with chronic ankle instability. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: rigid tape, kinesio tape, or a sham (fake) tape. They were tested before taping, right after taping, after a fatigue workout, and after 20 minutes of rest. The goal was to see if taping helps during everyday activity and after exercise.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Rigid athletic tape and kinesiology tape applied to the ankle
- What this could lead to
- If effective, these taping methods could offer a simple, non-drug way to improve balance and function in people with chronic ankle instability.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed study with no long-term follow-up. The effects may be short-lived or not apply to all people with ankle instability.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
90 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Jun 2025
- Finished
-
Dec 2025
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 35 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * 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. Exclusion Criteria: * 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.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Chronic ankle instability, cai are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
İstanbul Nisantasi University
Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can a brace or tape stop ankle sprains in young hoop stars?
- Mind over ankle: how focus and distraction change balance in injured athletes
- Can fewer weekly workouts still fix wobbly ankles? new study says maybe.
- Which strengthening exercise best fixes wobbly ankles? new study aims to find out
- Head and eye moves may boost ankle stability
- Ankle or hip: which mobility exercise wins for wobbly ankles?