In 2016, Dr. Michael Rogers of Wichita State University completed a study on the effects of TheraBand kinesiology tape on 14 older women with a history of falls1. He reported that kinesiology tape applied to the ankle and lower limb improved static balance compared to a non-taped condition while standing on an unstable surface (foam pad) or with a reduced base of support (tandem & semi-tandem stance).
Recently, researchers in Austria evaluated the effects of kinesiology tape application to the knee on static and dynamic balance in healthy older men2. They had subjects walk downhill on a treadmill for 30 minutes to elicit balance deficits. The researchers reported that kinesiology tape application to the knee significantly reduced balance deficits induced by exercise in older men. Postural stability without tape decreased 50% compared to only a 3% deficit with kinesiology tape.
These 2 studies investigated conditions where older adults are at an increased risk of falls. While there is no data on actual reduction in falls, these studies suggest that kinesiology tape applied to the ankle or knee can improve postural stability in older adults, which is a risk factor for falls.
1 Rogers M et al. Effects Of Kinesiology Tape On Balance. (Abstract). Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2016. 48(5):S109.
2 Hosp S et al. Does kinesiology tape counter exercise-related impairments of balance in the elderly? Gait Posture. 2018. 62:167-72.
$0.00