Effect of Taping on Actual and Perceived Dynamic Postural Stability in Persons With Chronic Ankle Instability

• Published in: Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation Vol. 91; no. 9; pp. 1383 - 1389
• Main Authors: Delahunt, Eamonn, PhD, McGrath, Angela, BSc, Doran, Naoise, BSc, Coughlan, Garrett F., PhD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier Inc 01.09.2010; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adult; Ankle Joint; Ankle sprain; Athletic Tape; Attitude to Health; Biological and medical sciences; Biomechanical Phenomena; Chronic Disease; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Female; Humans; Injuries of the limb. Injuries of the spine; Joint Instability - psychology; Joint Instability - rehabilitation; Male; Medical sciences; Miscellaneous; Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Postural Balance; Radiotherapy. Instrumental treatment. Physiotherapy. Reeducation. Rehabilitation, orthophony, crenotherapy. Diet therapy and various other treatments (general aspects); Rehabilitation; Sprains and Strains - prevention & control; Sprains and Strains - psychology; Traumas. Diseases due to physical agents; Ankle sprain; Ankle joint; Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool; SEBT; chronic ankle instability; CAIT; CAI; Rehabilitation; Star Excursion Balance Test; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Trauma; Ankle; Sprain; Chronic; Reeducation; Bandage; Orthopedics; Dynamic stability; Instability
• ISSN: 0003-9993; 1532-821X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2010.06.023

Abstract Delahunt E, McGrath A, Doran N, Coughlan GF. Effect of taping on actual and perceived dynamic postural stability in persons with chronic ankle instability. Objective To investigate whether 2 different mechanisms of ankle joint taping ([1] lateral subtalar sling or [2] fibular repositioning) can enhance actual and perceived dynamic postural stability in participants with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Design Laboratory-based repeated-measures study. Setting University biomechanics laboratory. Participants Participants (n=16) with CAI. Interventions Participants performed the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) under 3 different conditions: (1) no tape, (2) lateral subtalar sling taping and (3) fibular repositioning taping. Main Outcome Measures Reach distances in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions on the SEBT. Participants' perceptions of stability, confidence, and reassurance when performing the SEBT under 2 different taping conditions. Results Taping did not improve reach distance on the SEBT ( P >.05). Feelings of confidence increased for 56% of participants ( P =.002) under both tape conditions. Feelings of stability increased for 87.5% of participants ( P <.001) using condition 2 (lateral subtalar sling taping) and 75% of participants ( P =.001) using condition 3 (fibular repositioning taping). Feelings of reassurance increased for 68.75% of participants ( P =.001) using condition 2 (lateral subtalar sling taping) and 50% of participants ( P =.005) using condition 3 (fibular repositioning taping). Conclusions No significant change in dynamic postural stability was observed after application of either taping mechanism; however, participants' perceptions of confidence, stability, and reassurance were significantly improved. Further research is necessary to fully elucidate the exact mechanisms by which taping may help reduce the incidence of repeated injury in subjects with CAI.