Effects of Combined Exercise and Kinesio Taping on Balance and Jump Performance in Athletes With Chronic Ankle Instability

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether a combined neuromuscular rehabilitation program improves static balance, jump performance, and ankle muscle strength in athletes with chronic ankle instability. It will also examine whether the addition of kinesio taping provides additional effects compared with exercise alone. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does a six-week balance and strength exercise program improve static postural control in athletes with chronic ankle instability? Does the rehabilitation program improve countermovement jump performance, drop jump performance, and ankle inversion and eversion muscle strength? Does adding kinesio taping to the exercise program lead to greater improvements in balance, jump performance, and ankle muscle strength compared with exercise alone? Researchers will compare three groups: an exercise group, an exercise plus kinesio taping group, and a control group, to evaluate the effects of the rehabilitation program and the potential additional effects of kinesio taping. Participants will: Take part in a supervised rehabilitation program three times per week for six weeks (intervention groups). Perform balance training on a wobble board and strength exercises using elastic resistance bands. Receive kinesio taping before each rehabilitation session if assigned to the taping group. Undergo assessments before and after the intervention, including force-plate measurements of static balance, countermovement jump and drop jump performance, and dynamometer measurements of ankle inversion and eversion muscle strength.

Inclusion Criteria: History of at least one ankle sprain occurring at least 12 months prior to enrollment. Presence of clinical signs of pain and inflammation. Most recent ankle sprain occurring at least 3 months before study inclusion. History of more than two episodes of "giving way". Self-reported ankle instability assessed using the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) with a score of ≤25 points. Exclusion Criteria: History of musculoskeletal surgery. Presence of orthopedic conditions such as lower-limb fractures. Any musculoskeletal injury within the 3 months preceding the study. Known neurological disorders that could influence balance performance. Known vestibular disorders that could influence balance performance.