Kinesiotape effects on ankle functional performance and perceived stability in chronic ankle instability: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Siyang Fu; Ryusei Yamaguchi; Toshihiro Maemichi; Zijian Liu; Tsukasa Kumai

doi:10.2478/advrehab-2026-0014

.blurhash-client-img { display: none !important; }

Kinesiotape effects on ankle functional performance and perceived stability in chronic ankle instability: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Advances in Rehabilitation

AHEAD OF PRINT

By: Siyang Fu , Ryusei Yamaguchi , Toshihiro Maemichi , Zijian Liu and Tsukasa Kumai

Open Access

|Jul 2026

Fong DT, Hong Y, Chan LK, Yung PS, Chan KM. A systematic review on ankle injury and ankle sprain in sports. Sports Med. 2007;37(1):73-94. doi: 10.2165/00007256-200737010-00006.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Hertel J, Corbett RO. An updated model of chronic ankle instability. J Athl Train. 2019;54(6):572-88. doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-344-18.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Liu Z, Yamaguchi R, Fu S, Zhao H, Li Y, Kobayashi Y, et al. Epidemiology of ankle sprain and chronic ankle instability in elite adolescent dancesport athletes. Phys Sportsmed. 2025;53(2):119-28. doi: 10.1080/00913847.2024.2418283.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Kawabata S, Ozone K, Minegishi Y, Oka Y, Terada H, Takasu C, et al. Chronic ankle joint instability induces ankle sensorimotor dysfunction: a controlled laboratory study. Am J Sports Med. 2024;52(3):739-49. doi: 10.1177/03635465231217490.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Chia CSM, Fu SC, Ko VM, He X, Zhang X, Hua Y, et al. Investigating peroneus muscle quality in ankle stability: a comparative analysis between chronic ankle instability patients and healthy controls. Phys Ther Sport. 2025;74:104-17. doi: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2025.06.001.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Labanca L, Mosca M, Ghislieri M, Agostini V, Knaflitz M, Benedetti MG. Muscle activations during functional tasks in individuals with chronic ankle instability: a systematic review of electromyographical studies. Gait Posture. 2021;90:340-73. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2021.09.182.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Choi JY, Yoo T, Burcal CJ, Rosen AB. Dual-task differences in individuals with chronic ankle instability: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Gait Posture. 2023;106:28-33. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2023.08.013.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Hertel J. Functional anatomy, pathomechanics, and pathophysiology of lateral ankle instability. J Athl Train. 2002;37(4):364-75.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Docherty CL, Valovich McLeod TC, Shultz SJ. Postural control deficits in participants with functional ankle instability as measured by the balance error scoring system. Clin J Sport Med. 2006;16(3):203-8. doi: 10.1097/00042752-200605000-00003.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Watanabe K, Koshino Y, Kawahara D, Akimoto M, Mishina M, Nakagawa K, et al. Kinesiophobia, self-reported ankle function, and sex are associated with perceived ankle instability in college club sports athletes with chronic ankle instability. Phys Ther Sport. 2023;61:45-50. doi: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2023.02.008.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Wei M, He C, Wang Z, Li H, Liu Y. Correlation analysis of function, activity and postural control in elite athletes with chronic ankle instability. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2023;55:1025. doi: 10.1249/01.mss.0000989368.47022.1f.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Doherty C, Bleakley C, Delahunt E, Holden S. Treatment and prevention of acute and recurrent ankle sprain: an overview of systematic reviews with meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2017;51(2):113-25. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2016-096178.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Wang Y, Gu Y, Chen J, Luo W, He W, Han Z, et al. Kinesio taping is superior to other taping methods in ankle functional performance improvement: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Rehabil. 2018;32(11):1472-83. doi: 10.1177/0269215518780443.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Nunes GS, Feldkircher JM, Tessarin BM, Bender PU, da Luz CM, de Noronha M. Kinesio taping does not improve ankle function or performance in people with or without ankle injuries: systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Rehabil. 2021;35(2):182-99. doi: 10.1177/0269215520963846.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Biz C, Nicoletti P, Tomasin M, Bragazzi NL, Di Rubbo G, Ruggieri P. Is Kinesio taping effective for sport performance and ankle function of athletes with chronic ankle instability? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicina (Kaunas). 2022;58(5):620. doi: 10.3390/medicina58050620.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Liberati A, Altman DG, Tetzlaff J, Mulrow C, Gøtzsche PC, Ioannidis JP, et al. The PRISMA statement for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses of studies that evaluate healthcare interventions: explanation and elaboration. BMJ. 2009;339:b2700. doi: 10.1136/bmj.b2700.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Gribble PA, Delahunt E, Bleakley C, Caulfield B, Docherty CL, Fourchet F, et al. Selection criteria for patients with chronic ankle instability in controlled research: a position statement of the International Ankle Consortium. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2013;43(8):585-91. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2013.0303.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Docherty CL, Gansneder BM, Arnold BL, Hurwitz SR. Development and reliability of the Ankle Instability Instrument. J Athl Train. 2006;41(2):154-8.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Hiller CE, Refshauge KM, Bundy AC, Herbert RD, Kilbreath SL. The Cumberland ankle instability tool: a report of validity and reliability testing. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2006;87(9):1235-41. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2006.05.022.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Simon J, Donahue M, Docherty C. Development of the identification of functional ankle instability (IdFAI). Foot Ankle Int. 2012;33(9):755-63. doi: 10.3113/FAI.2012.0755.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Carcia CR, Martin RL, Drouin JM. Validity of the foot and ankle ability measure in athletes with chronic ankle instability. J Athl Train. 2008;43(2):179-83. doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-43.2.179.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Roos EM, Brandsson S, Karlsson J. Validation of the foot and ankle outcome score for ankle ligament reconstruction. Foot Ankle Int. 2001;22(10):788-94. doi: 10.1177/107110070102201004.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Higgins JPT, Altman DG, Gøtzsche PC, Jüni P, Moher D, Oxman AD, et al. The Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias in randomised trials. BMJ. 2011;343:d5928. doi: 10.1136/bmj.d5928.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
RevMan 5. Review Manager 5 (RevMan 5) [Computer program]. Version 5.4. Copenhagen: The Cochrane Collaboration; 2020.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Higgins JPT, Thompson SG, Deeks JJ, Altman DG. Measuring inconsistency in meta-analyses. BMJ. 2003;327(7414):557-60. doi: 10.1136/bmj.327.7414.557.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Higgins JPT, Thomas J, Chandler J, Cumpston M, Li T, Page MJ, et al., editors. Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions. Version 6.4. London: Cochrane; 2023.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Koshino Y, Kobayashi T. Effects of conservative interventions on static and dynamic balance in individuals with chronic ankle instability: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2023;104(4):673-85. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2022.10.014.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Balshem H, Helfand M, Schünemann HJ, Oxman AD, Kunz R, Brozek J, et al. GRADE guidelines: 3. Rating the quality of evidence. J Clin Epidemiol. 2011;64(4):401-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2010.07.015.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Karanasios S, Korakakis V, Whiteley R, Vasilogeorgis I, Woodbridge S, Gioftsos G. Exercise interventions in lateral elbow tendinopathy have better outcomes than passive interventions, but the effects are small: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 2123 subjects in 30 trials. Br J Sports Med. 2021;55(8):477-85. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2020-102525.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Boonkerd C, Thinchuangchan K, Chalarak N, Thonpakorb S, Wanasoonthontham R, Kitsuksan T, et al. Effect of Kinesio tape on proprioception, static and dynamic balance in individuals with chronic ankle instability. Ann Appl Sport Sci. 2023;11(1):e1117. doi: 10.52547/aassjournal.1117.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Cheraghi M, Boozari S, Svoboda Z, Kovačikova Z, Needle AR, Sarvestan J. Effects of ankle Kinesio taping on jump biomechanics in collegiate athletes with chronic ankle instability. Sport Sci Health. 2022;18:839-46. doi: 10.1007/s11332-021-00863-3.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Cline JL, Fenwick A, Turner T, Arthur S, Wikstrom EA. Nonelastic and Kinesio tapes improve perceived stability but not postural control in participants with chronic ankle instability. Int J Athl Ther Train. 2018;23(5):195-9. doi: 10.1123/ijatt.2017-0112.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Fereydounnia S, Shadmehr A, Attarbashi Moghadam B, Talebian Moghadam S, Mohsen Mir S, Salemi S, et al. Comparison of distal versus proximal-distal Kinesio taping effects on gait initiation profile in athletes with functional ankle instability. Muscles Ligaments Tendons J. 2019;9(2):246-54. doi: 10.32098/mltj.02.2019.14.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Fereydounnia S, Shadmehr A, Attarbashi Moghadam B, Talebian Moghadam S, Mir SM, Salemi S, et al. Improvements in strength and functional performance after Kinesio taping in semi-professional male soccer players with and without functional ankle instability. Foot (Edinb). 2019;41:12-8. doi: 10.1016/j.foot.2019.06.006.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Fereydounnia S, Shadmehr A, Attarbashi Moghadam B, Talebian Moghadam S, Mohsen Mir S, Salemi S, et al. The effects of lower extremity Kinesio taping on temporal and spatial parameters of gait initiation in semi-professional soccer players with and without functional ankle instability. J Mod Rehabil. 2021;15:253-64. doi: 10.18502/jmr.v15i4.7746.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Gehrke LC, Londero LX, Loureiro-Chaves RF, Souza HH, Freitas GPD, Pacheco AM. Effects of athletic taping on performance of basketball athletes with chronic ankle instability. Rev Bras Med Esporte. 2018;24(6):477-82. doi: 10.1590/1517869220182406173311.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Lim J, Kim S, Moon I, Yi C. The effects of elastic ankle taping on static and dynamic postural control in individuals with chronic ankle instability. Phys Ther Korea. 2021;28(3):200-7. doi: 10.12674/ptk.2021.28.3.200.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Li P, Wei Z, Zeng Z, Wang L. Acute effect of Kinesio tape on postural control in individuals with functional ankle instability following ankle muscle fatigue. Front Physiol. 2022;13:980438. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2022.980438.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Safari S, Mohsenifar H, Amiri A. The immediate effect of synergistic muscles Kinesio taping on function and balance of volleyball players with functional ankle instability: a randomized controlled trial. Foot. 2023;57:102058. doi: 10.1016/j.foot.2023.102058.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Shadegani R, Khanmohammadi R, Olyaei G. Comparison of effects of Mulligan taping and Kinesio taping on ankle neuromuscular control in response to a sudden inversion perturbation in individuals with chronic ankle instability. Phys Ther Sport. 2023;63:58-66. doi: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2023.07.004.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Wang X, Shao X, Yu R, Wang Y, Deng F, Adams R, et al. Acute effects of kinesiology tape on dynamic balance control in chronic ankle instability: an exploratory study. Phys Ther Sport. 2023;62:65-70. doi: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2023.06.005.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Yen SC, Folmar E, Friend K, Wang Y, Chui K. Effects of Kinesiotaping and athletic taping on ankle kinematics during walking in individuals with chronic ankle instability: a pilot study. Gait Posture. 2018;66:118-23. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2018.08.034.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Yin L, Wang L. Acute effect of kinesiology taping on postural stability in individuals with unilateral chronic ankle instability. Front Physiol. 2020;11:192. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00192.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Yin L, Liu K, Liu C, Feng X, Wang L. Effect of kinesiology tape on muscle activation of lower extremity and ankle kinesthesia in individuals with unilateral chronic ankle instability. Front Physiol. 2021;12:786584. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2021.786584.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Yu R, Yang Z, Witchalls J, Adams R, Waddington G, Han J. Kinesiology tape length and ankle inversion proprioception at step-down landing in individuals with chronic ankle instability. J Sci Med Sport. 2021;24(9):894-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2021.04.009.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Wang L, Chen P, Ding Y, Fan S, Wang G, Jia S, et al. Effects of Kinesio taping on lower limb biomechanical characteristics during unexpected jumping in patients with chronic ankle instability. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2024;34(7):e14566. doi: 10.1111/sms.14566.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Sarvestan J, Alaei F, Shater Kazemi N, Porsandeh Khial H, Shirzad E, Svoboda Z. Agility profile in collegiate athletes with chronic ankle sprain: the effect of athletic and Kinesio taping among both genders. Sport Sci Health. 2018;14(2):407-14. doi: 10.1007/s11332-018-0453-2.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Lee B, Lee J. Immediate effects of ankle balance taping with kinesiology tape on the dynamic balance of young players with functional ankle instability. Technol Health Care. 2015;23(3):333-41. doi: 10.3233/THC-150902.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Trégouët P, Merland F, Horodyski M. A comparison of the effects of ankle taping styles on biomechanics during ankle inversion. Ann Phys Rehabil Med. 2013;56(2):113-22. doi: 10.1016/j.rehab.2012.12.001.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Wang CK, Fang YD, Lin LC, Lin CF, Kuo LC, Chiu FM, et al. Magnetic resonance elastography in the assessment of acute effects of kinesio taping on lumbar paraspinal muscles. J Magn Reson Imaging. 2019;49(4):1039-50. doi: 10.1002/jmri.26281.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Simon J, Garcia W, Docherty CL. The effect of Kinesio tape on force sense in people with functional ankle instability. Clin J Sport Med. 2014;24(4):289-94. doi: 10.1097/JSM.0000000000000030.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Caffrey E, Docherty CL, Schrader J, Klossner J. The ability of four single-limb hopping tests to detect functional performance deficits in individuals with functional ankle instability. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2009;39(11):799-806. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2009.3042.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Sarvestan J, Ataabadi PA, Svoboda Z, Kovacikova Z, Needle AR. The effect of ankle kinesio taping on ankle joint biomechanics during unilateral balance status among collegiate athletes with chronic ankle sprain. Phys Ther Sport. 2020;45:161-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2020.06.007.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Carey JR, Bhatt E, Nagpal A. Neuroplasticity promoted by task complexity. Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2005;33(1):24-31.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
de-la-Torre-Domingo C, Alguacil-Diego IM, Molina-Rueda F, López-Román A, Fernández-Carnero J. Effect of kinesiology tape on measurements of balance in subjects with chronic ankle instability: a randomized controlled trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2015;96(12):2169-75. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2015.06.022.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Suttmiller AMB, McCann RS. Injury-related fear in individuals with and without chronic ankle instability: a systematic review. J Sport Rehabil. 2021;30(8):1203-12. doi: 10.1123/jsr.2021-0015.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Bender R, Bunce C, Clarke M, Gates S, Lange S, Pace NL, et al. Attention should be given to multiplicity issues in systematic reviews. J Clin Epidemiol. 2008;61(9):857-65. doi: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2008.03.004.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article