Clinical Research Directory

Comparative Effects of Kinesio and Dynamic Taping on Ankle Performance in Basketball Players

This study aims to compare the effects of two different ankle taping methods-kinesio taping and dynamic taping-on balance, vertical jump performance, and reaction time in basketball players. Basketball involves frequent jumping, rapid changes in direction, and single-leg balance tasks that place substantial demands on ankle stability. Reduced ankle stability may negatively affect athletic performance and increase injury risk. Taping methods are commonly used in sports settings to support the ankle joint and enhance functional performance; however, limited comparative evidence exists in basketball players. In this non-randomized, fixed-sequence crossover study, healthy male basketball players aged 18 to 30 years will receive both kinesio taping and dynamic taping applications separated by a one-week interval. Kinesio taping will be applied during the first session and dynamic taping during the second session. Each participant will serve as their own control. Performance assessments will be conducted immediately before and after each taping application. Outcome measures include dynamic balance assessed using the Y-Balance Test, vertical jump performance assessed using a mobile application-based jump test, and lower extremity visuomotor reaction time assessed using a visual stimulus-response task. All procedures are non-invasive and associated with minimal risk. The findings are expected to contribute to evidence-based taping strategies aimed at improving athletic performance and supporting ankle function in basketball players.

Immediate Effects of Visual and Auditory Feedback Modalities on Dynamic Balance

The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to compare the immediate effects of visual, auditory, and combined feedback modalities on dynamic balance in healthy young adults. It also aims to explore whether auditory stimulation (Mozart music) can influence postural control and whether combining visual and auditory feedback provides additional benefits. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does visual feedback (mirror) improve dynamic balance performance measured by the SEBT? * Does auditory feedback (Mozart music) improve dynamic balance performance? * Does combined visual and auditory feedback lead to greater improvements compared to single modalities? Researchers will compare three feedback conditions: visual feedback using a mirror, auditory feedback using Mozart music, and a combined visual-auditory condition. Participants will: * Be 60 healthy young adults aged 18-25 years * Be randomly assigned to one of three groups (visual, auditory, combined) * Perform the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) in 8 directions * Perform the test with and without feedback modalities * Have their reach distances recorded and normalized according to their height