Abstract

Study design: cross sectional study.
Background: Lateral ankle sprain is the most common type of ankle injuries. Repeated injury leads to chronic ankle instability (CAI) that affects balance and functional performance. Many interventions were established to improve balance post ankle sprains and CAI. A new preventive measure is using the Kinesio tape (KT) which has been used for ankle joint in various conditions for different purposes such as reducing pain, swelling, and speed recovery for some musculoskeletal problems. Yet, use of the KT to improve balance is not well covered.
Objectives: To investigate the effect of KT on balance control and functional performance in Athletes with CAI.
Methods: Thirty male athlete patients with unilateral CAI that resulted from lateral ankle sprain were recruited. Balance and functional performance were assessed both feet for two conditions; with tape and without tape. Test conditions were repeated with eyes-open and closed, testing affected and sound ankles, and performed in stable and foam surfaces
Results: Taping main effects showed significantly longer time to loss balance (TTLOB) in tape compared to no tape condition (P=0.012).The interaction between taping condition and tested leg showed significantly longer TTLOB with tape compared to no tape was detected when testing the affected leg (P=0.001) . Moreover, the interaction between taping condition and eye condition showed significantly longer TTLOB with tape compared to no tape condition in both eyes conditions. Similarly, The interaction between taping conditions and surface conditions showed significantly longer TTLOB was detected with tape application mean compared to no tape condition when testing on foam surface (p=0.003). The taping showed significantly longer single leg hop distance compared to no tape condition (P=0.011).
Conclusion: Kinesio tape tends to be an effective approach to improve balance and functional performance in case of chronic ankle instability.

Keywords

chronic ankle instability, balance, functional performance, kiensio tape, Airex pad, single hop test, time to boundary, center of pressure, balance errors scoring system, star excursion balance test, functional ankle instability, ankle balance taping, vertical ground reaction force, Time to loss of balance, joint position sense