Studies in Sport Medicine

Comparing the effects of eight weeks of SAIL training and Kinesio taping on fear of falling, functional independence, and quality of life in the elderly

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Fateme Ayazi 1
nader rahnama 2

1 Department of Sports Injuries and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

2 Department of Sport Injuries and Corrective Exercise, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

10.22089/smj.2026.18037.1810
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the effects of eight weeks of SAIL training and Kinesio taping on fear of falling, functional independence, and quality of life in the elderly. A total of 24 elderly women were randomly assigned to two groups: SAIL (n=12, age: 72.2 ± 3.2 years) and Kinesio taping (n=12, age: 72.6 ± 2.2 years). Before and after eight weeks of intervention, fear of falling (Falls Efficacy Scale - International), functional independence (Barthel Questionnaire), and quality of life (OPQOL-35 Questionnaire) were measured. Intragroup comparisons were performed using paired t-tests and intergroup comparisons using independent t-tests. Within-group findings showed that the SAIL group significantly improved fear of falling (p=0.000), functional independence (p=0.000), and quality of life (p=0.000) compared to before the intervention. The Kinesio taping group also significantly improved fear of falling (p=0.005), functional independence (p=0.000), and quality of life (p=0.031). Statistical comparison between groups showed a significant difference in fear of falling (p=0.001), functional independence (p=0.014), and quality of life (p=0.007). The results of this study indicate that both SAIL training and Kinesio taping protocols positively affect fear of falling, functional independence, and quality of life in the elderly. However, SAIL training produced more significant improvements and is therefore recommended for inclusion in elderly training programs.

Keywords

SAIL
Kinesio Tape
fear of falling
quality of life
Subjects
Studies in Sport Medicine

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 18 October 2026

  • Receive Date 06 June 2025
  • Revise Date 25 September 2025
  • Accept Date 19 April 2026

Home

Publication Ethics

Submit Manuscript

news

Journal Metrics

Contact Us