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Determine if strips of elastic tape across
the ankle enhance proprioception compared to no tape of white athletic tape.
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A
decrease in ankle proprioception has been linked to injury such as ankle sprain. Previous research has produced mixed results
concerning effect of tape/braces on proprioception. White athletic tape is used primarily for mechanical support/stability,
but may enhance proprioception via mechanoreceptors (Simoneau et al., 1997)
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Twenty-six subjects, 11 female and 8
male, ages 20-49 participated. Normal ligamentous stability of dormant ankle. Exclusion criteria: current ankle injury, significant
foot deformity.
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Methods
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Single group, repeated measures design;
random presentation of conditions and target angles. Tape application according to the Kinesio Taping Method for ankle
sprain; 2” wide strip of Kinesio Tex Tape applied to skin over anterior and lateral leg compartments. Testing apparatus:
Lido Active isokinetic machine with electrogoniometer as part of equipment, dynamometer set at 3000/sec, axis of
rotation just inferior to lateral mallcolus. Target joint angle replication: 260 and 100 of plantar
flexion, and 80 of dorsiflexion. Three minute rest interval between each test condition to reduce possibility of
carry-over and practice effect. Condition: No tape, Athletic tape, Kinesio Tex Tape. Data Analysis: Absolute differences between
target/reference angle and each replication for each condition. Values added to form deviation scores for each condition at
each of the test angles. Scores compared using repeated measures ANOVA for each of the 3 angles.
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Results
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No significant differences in ankle joint
replication at 260 plantar flexion of 80 dorsiflexion. Kinesio Tex Tape condition significantly different
at 100 plantar flexion, p< 0.05. No significant differences between tape conditions, previous dominant lower
extremity injury or current activity level for any joint position tested, p> 0.05. |
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