Background Balance is a critical component of athletic performance, particularly in disciplines such as rhythmic gymnastics. This study aimed to examine the immediate effects of kinesiology taping on static and dynamic balance in rhythmic gymnasts aged 10-12 years. Methods Thirty gymnasts were evaluated under three taping conditions: (1) no kinesiology tape (No KinT), (2) kinesiology tape applied to the ankle joints (KinT A), and (3) kinesiology tape applied to both the ankle joints and the rectus abdominis muscle (KinT AA). Balance assessments included the Static Stork Balance Test, the Dynamic Y Balance Test, and the Static and Dynamic "Bobo" Balance Board test. Results No significant differences were observed across conditions in the Stork Balance Test for both legs and static balance board measurements (p > 0.05). The Y Balance Test results improved when kinesiology tape was applied to both the ankle joints and the rectus abdominis muscle compared to the condition without taping for both legs (p < 0.05). In contrast, the dynamic balance board test demonstrated significantly better performance in the KinT A condition compared to both the No KinT and KinT AA conditions on the right leg (p < 0.05) and compared to the KinT AA condition on the left leg (p < 0.05). Additionally, for both legs, the No KinT condition showed superior performance relative to the KinT AA condition (p < 0.05). Conclusions Kinesiology taping had no immediate effect on static balance. However, dynamic balance, as assessed by the Y Balance Test, improved with tape applied to both the ankle joints and the rectus abdominis muscle. The balance board tests indicated inconsistent results, suggesting variability in their sensitivity to taping interventions.
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