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Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a common issue in the athletic population. Although there are many prophylactic taping methods used to prevent repetitive ankle sprains, the effects of these taping methods in dynamic postural control are not clearly understood.

To appreciate the effect of ankle prophylactic taping methods that are used often among healthcare professionals, Emi Takahashi, doctoral student of athletic training in the Department of Movement Sciences at the University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, led a research team to study how dynamic postural control would be changed by the taping application.

The study, Immediate Effects of Ankle Tapes on Dynamic Postural Control and Kinematics in Chronic Ankle Instability,2 compared traditional taping (TT) method with Fibular Repositional Taping (FRT) and kinesiology taping (KT) in 28 participants. Their findings suggest that FRT and KT facilitate collaboration of ankle, knee, and hip to enhance dynamic postural control in both healthy and CAI participants.

“The results further revealed there was no significant correlation in Y-balance test composite score for the FRT application compared to the baseline even though the score was improved,” Takahashi said. “No significant correlation was seen amongst the taping methods and there was no significant correlation between the populations.”

Given the improved Y-balance test composite score despite no significant change in the ankle dorsiflexion angle after the taping application, the researchers suggest that other joint angles and hip and upper leg muscle activation contributed to the improved dynamic balance.

“For the population with CAI, it would be helpful to rehabilitate globally, not just ankle and lower leg,” Takahashi said.

Source:

2. Takahashi E, Chun Y, Kim J. Immediate Effects of Ankle Tapes on Dynamic Postural Control and Kinematics in Chronic Ankle Instability.