Background
The ankle–foot complex plays a key role in maintaining balance because it collects proprioceptive data. Kinesio taping (KT) is a rehabilitative method performed by the cutaneous application of a special elastic tape. The mechanical correction technique of KT was suggested to reposition the joints and alter balance parameters. The aim was to reveal the pure effects of ankle KT on balance, range of motion (ROM), and muscle strength in healthy individuals.
Methods
Forty healthy students were recruited for this randomized, sham-controlled study at a local university. Participants were divided into two groups—experimental and sham application groups. The primary outcome measures were balance parameters. Athlete Single Leg (ASL), Limits of Stability (LoS), and Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance (CTSIB) were used to measure single-leg dynamic balance, dynamic postural control, and sensory interaction of balance, respectively. Dorsiflexion ROM and dorsiflexor muscle strength were the secondary outcomes.
Results
The ASL score showed significant improvement only in the experimental KT group (P=0.02); however, the LoS score increased significantly in both groups (P<0.05). CTSIB scores, dorsiflexion ROM, and dorsiflexor muscle strength for both ankles did not change in any of the groups after intervention (P>0.05). Moreover, there was no superiority of one intervention over the other in improving any of the variables (P>0.05).
Conclusion
The mechanical correction technique of KT can be useful in providing immediate improvement in single-leg dynamic balance in healthy individuals. However, it may not be effective to significantly change the sensory interaction of balance, dorsiflexion ROM, and muscle strength.

Citations

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  Pain Management Nursing.2024; 25(4): 377.     CrossRef
• Acute effects of kinesiology taping on physical parameters and functional performance in handball players: a double-blinded, randomised placebo-controlled trial
  Eren Arabaci, Ertugrul Deniz Kose, Kubra Okuyucu
  Sport Sciences for Health.2024; 20(4): 1333.     CrossRef
• Functional ankle taping correction on plantar foot ulcer healing in diabetic patients: Randomized controlled trial
  Ahmed Elfahl, Sobhy Aly, Heba Elfeky
  Physiotherapy Practice and Research.2024; : 1.     CrossRef
• Immediate effects of elastic tape application on the foot sole: a randomized controlled trial
  Riyaka Ito, Tatsuya Igawa, Ryunosuke Urata, Shomaru Ito, Kosuke Suzuki, Marino Suzuki, Akira Kubo
  Journal of Physical Therapy Science.2023; 35(7): 497.     CrossRef

Background
: Recently, many studies have reported that university students have been suffering from stress because of their the uncertainty of their future and employment. Eating habits have often been considered as one of health-related behaviors that may be affected by life stress. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between stress and eating habits in university students.

Methods : A cross-sectional study was designed. The subjects were 282 university students which assessed their eating habits and stresses. The total numbs of students in the study 263. Eating habits were scored using a questionnaire consisting of three categories-regularity, balance, and preference. The stress was assessed by modified Korean version of BEPSI.

Results : The stress score was 2.4 and the total score of eating habits was 44.2. The regularity among the domains of eating habits was 14.1, the balance score was 16.1, and the preference was 14.0. In multiple regression after adjustment with confounding variables, stress had a negative relationship with eating habits.

Conclusion : The relationship between stress and eating habits was statistically significant, especially in regularity and balance. It is important to know not only the health status, but also the factors associated with health such as stresses and eating habits in order to improve the health status of the university students. Further research needs to uncover causality and make a generalization.