Abstract
Netball is a high impact sport in which lower-limb joint instability increases injury risk during
dynamic movements such as landing and jumping. The efficacy of precautionary knee taping
across different movement complexities and taping modalities (Rigid Tape (RT), Dynamic tape
(DT), Kinesio tape (KT) techniques) as a preventative strategy to enhance stability remains
unclear. Analysis of the kinematics and kinetics of the lower limb during a drop landing (DL),
drop jump landing (DJL), and countermovement jump (CMJ) was undertaken and the effects of
various knee taping modalities to prevent lower limb joint instability among female netball players
was investigated, compared and evaluated. Five sequential experimental studies were conducted
involving injury-free female netball players. A series of DLs, DJLs, and CMJs were performed
under four knee taping conditions (No Tape (NT), RT, DT, and KT). Stability indices (dynamic
postural stability index [DPSI] and time to stabilisation [TTS]) and reactive strength indices
(ground contact time [GCT], Landing impact force, and reactive strength index [RSI]) were
compared across conditions to evaluate dynamic stability and reactive strength performance.
Continuous biomechanical data were analysed using one-dimensional statistical parametric
mapping (SPM1d) repeated-measures ANOVA (p<0.05). Hierarchical regression modelling was
used to determine whether taping contributed uniquely to stability outcomes. The RT condition
enhanced post-landing control through mechanical constraint, particularly during the stabilisation
phase, while KT improved reactive timing and coordination during the stretch-shortening cycle
(SCC) without enhancing maximal outputs. The DT condition demonstrated intermediate effects
with limited functional impact. Task complexity modulated taping effects, with greater benefits
observed during dual-task movements compared to isolated landings. Regression analysis revealed
that greater hip abduction and RT independently predicted improved stability, while higher
concentric power and KT were independently associated with reduced stability. Knee taping
modifies lower-limb kinetics, kinematics, and stability indices in female netball players, with
effects conditional on task complexity, movement phase, and tape type. The findings provide
evidence-based guidance for strategic taping application: RT for situations requiring enhanced
stabilisation control and KT for tasks demanding rapid reactive transitions. These results advance
understanding of preventative strategies for lower-limb joint instability and offer practical...