Effect of kinesiotaping, non-elastic taping and bracing on segmental foot kinematics during drop landing in healthy subjects and subjects with chronic ankle instability

The Biomechanical Effects of Kinesiology Taping Methods on Side-Step Cutting Movements in Chronic Ankle Instability

Background: The ankle joint is among the most vulnerable areas for injuries during daily activities and sports. This study focuses on individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI), comparing the biomechanical characteristics of the lower limb during side-step cutting under various conditions. The aim is to analyze the impact of kinesiology tape (KT) length on the biomechanical properties of the lower limb during side-step cutting, thereby providing theoretical support and practical guidance for protective measures against lower-limb sports injuries. Methods: Twelve subjects with CAI who met the experimental criteria were recruited. Each subject underwent testing without taping (NT), with short kinesiology tape (ST), and with long kinesiology tape (LT), while performing a 45° side-step cutting task. This study employed the VICON three-dimensional motion capture system alongside the Kistler force plate to synchronously gather kinematic and kinetic data during the side-step cutting. Visual 3D software (V6.0, C-Motion, Germantown, MD, USA) was utilized to compute the kinematic and kinetic data, while OpenSim 4.4 software (Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA) calculated joint forces. A one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was conducted using SnPM, with the significance threshold established at p < 0.05. The Origin software 2021 was used for data graphic processing. Results: KT was found to significantly affect joint angles, angular velocities, and moments in the sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes. LT increased hip and knee flexion angles as well as angular velocity, while ST resulted in reduced ankle inversion and increased knee internal rotation. Both types of KT enhanced hip abduction moment and knee adduction/abduction moment. Additionally, LT reduced the ankle joint reaction force. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the application of KT over a short duration leads to improvements in the lower-limb performance during side-step cutting motions in individuals with CAI, thus potentially decreasing the risk of injury.

Effect of protective taping on knee eversion angle and jump height during single-leg vertical jumps in patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

[Purpose] Taping is often performed to prevent injury and injury recurrence. However, it is unclear how taping affects landing and jumping kinematics in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the kinematic effects caused by taping during single-leg vertical jumps in patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. [Participants and Methods] Ten young patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction were included. The maximum knee joint flexion angle, peak value of the vertical component of the floor reaction force, maximum knee joint eversion angle, and jumping height during a single-leg vertical jump were measured using a three-dimensional motion analyzer and compared among the following three groups: without taping, with protective taping using elastic tape, and with protective taping using non-elastic tape. [Results] There were no significant differences in the peak value of the vertical component of the floor reaction force or the maximum knee joint flexion angle among the three groups. The maximum knee joint eversion angle and jumping height were significantly lower in the elastic tape and non-elastic tape groups than in the non-taping group. [Conclusion] Anterior cruciate ligament taping does not affect the magnitude of the impact on the body and can decrease knee joint eversion. However, jumping height was lower in the two taping groups than in the no-taping group. There were no significant differences in the items studied between the two taping groups.

Effects of ankle Kinesio taping on knee and ankle joint biomechanics during unanticipated jumps in collegiate athletes

OBJECTIVE

Most biomechanical research on the application of Kinesio taping (KT) to the ankle joint focused on testing anticipated movements. However, ankle sprains frequently occur in real life in unanticipated situations, where individuals are unprepared and face sudden external stimuli. This situation is completely different from the anticipated situation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of ankle KT application on the kinematic and kinetic characteristics of the knee and ankle joints during unanticipated jump tasks in collegiate athletes.

METHODS

Eighteen healthy collegiate athletes experienced three taping conditions in a randomized order: no taping (NT), placebo taping (PT), and KT, and performed unanticipated jump tasks. A 9-camera infrared high-speed motion capture system was employed to collect knee and ankle kinematic data, and a 3-dimensional force plate was utilized to collect knee and ankle kinetic data during the tasks.

RESULTS

During the right jumps, KT significantly increased peak knee flexion angle (P = 0.031) compared to NT and significantly decreased peak vertical ground reaction force (P < 0.001, P = 0.001) compared to NT and PT. During the left jumps, KT significantly reduced peak ankle inversion angle (P = 0.022, P < 0.001) and peak ankle inversion moment (P = 0.002, P = 0.001) compared to NT and PT.

CONCLUSION

During unanticipated jump maneuvers, KT reduced peak ankle inversion angle, peak vertical ground reaction force, and peak ankle inversion moment and increased peak knee flexion angle in collegiate athletes.

Effect of non-elastic taping on vertical stiffness of healthy athletes during a basketball jump shot

BACKGROUND

Basketball is a high-risk team sport for lower extremity injuries, with ankle sprains being the most common injury. Non-elastic tape is widely used in injury prevention and quick return to play after ankle sprains, but its impact on stiffness, particularly global stiffness, has not been thoroughly investigated.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of non-elastic ankle taping on vertical stiffness, among basketball players during the jump shot tasks; and to assess the reliability of accelerometers to evaluate vertical stiffness.

DESIGN

Single group, repeated measures study.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty healthy semi-professional basketball players (15 males and 15 females) participated in the study.

INTERVENTIONS

Vertical stiffness was compared among three conditions: 1) without taping, 2) while the non-elastic tape was applied to their ankles, and 3) after running while taped. Vertical stiffness was calculated from acceleration data using a mass-spring model.

RESULTS

The result of a one-way repeated measures ANOVA showed that vertical stiffness was not significantly different between the three conditions (P = 0.162). Within-day and between-day reliability for average measurements were found to be high or very high.

CONCLUSION

The findings showed that the vertical stiffness is unaffected by non-elastic taping. Therefore, while non-elastic tape can limit ankle range of motion, it may not have an impact on vertical stiffness, a global parameter which reflects the musculoskeletal performance. On the other hand, the high reliability of the stiffness variable supports the use of an accelerometer as a small portable instrument for outdoor sports measurements.

Effects of Kinesio taping on lower limb biomechanical characteristics during unexpected jumping in patients with chronic ankle instability

PURPOSE

The current biomechanical research on the application of Kinesio taping (KT) to patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI) has focused on testing the expected movements. However, unexpected movements are more common in actual sports. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of KT on the biomechanical characteristics of the knee and ankle joints during unexpected jumping movements.

METHODS

Twenty-one patients with unilateral CAI were recruited to capture the biomechanical parameters during unexpected jumping movements under different interventions: no taping (NT), placebo taping (PT), and KT. A one-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare the differences in knee and ankle biomechanical characteristics among patients with CAI between the three intervention conditions.

RESULTS

At initial contact, the KT group demonstrated a significant decrease in ankle plantarflexion and knee flexion angles compared to the NT group (p < 0.05). At the early landing phase, the KT group had a significant increase in peak ankle dorsiflexion angle, peak ankle eversion angle, peak ankle dorsiflexion moment, and peak ankle eversion moment compared to the NT and PT groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the KT group had a significantly reduced peak knee flexion angle, peak knee eversion angle, and peak vertical ground reaction force (p < 0.05) compared to the NT and PT groups.

CONCLUSION

KT significantly improves the sprain-prone touchdown posture of patients with CAI. And reducing the risk of ankle sprains during the early landing phase by promoting ankle dorsiflexion and eversion angles and moments.

Effect of lace-up ankle brace on the tibiotalar and subtalar joint during the landing

Objective: Ankle braces can affect the kinematics of the ankle joint during landing tasks. Previous studies were primarily relied on traditional marker-based motion capture systems, which pose limitations in non-invasively capturing the motion of the talus bone. The effect of ankle braces on the in vivo kinematics of the tibiotalar and subtalar joints during landing remains unknown. This study used a high-speed dual fluoroscopic imaging system (DFIS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate effect of ankle braces on the in vivo kinematics of the tibiotalar and subtalar joints during landing. Methods: Fourteen healthy participants were recruited for this study. During the experiment, static three-dimensional MRI data were collected for each participant, and 3D ankle joint models for the calcaneus, talus, and tibia were constructed. The DFIS was used to capture the images of each participant performing a single-leg landing-jump task at a height of 40 cm. The images were captured once with and without a brace in the fatigue condition, which was induced by running. The six-degree-of-freedom (6DOF) kinematic data were obtained by 2D-3D registration. Results: The flexion-extension range of motion (ROM) (42.73 ± 4.76° vs. 38.74 ± 5.43°, p = 0.049) and anterior-posterior translation ROM (16.86 ± 1.74 mm vs. 15.03 ± 1.73 mm, p = 0.009) of the tibiotalar joint were decreased. The maximum inversion angle (-3.71 ± 2.25° vs. 2.11 ± 1.83°, p = 0.047) of the subtalar joint was decreased. Conclusion: The ankle brace limited the flexion-extension ROM of the tibiotalar joints and the inversion angle of the subtalar joint during landing.

External Ankle Support and Ankle Biomechanics in Chronic Ankle Instability: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the literature to determine whether external ankle supports influence ankle biomechanics in participants with chronic ankle instability (CAI) during sport-related tasks.

DATA SOURCES

A literature search of MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, and CINAHL databases was conducted in November 2021.

STUDY SELECTION

Included studies were randomized crossover or parallel-group controlled trials in which researchers assessed ankle biomechanics during landing, running, or change of direction in participants with CAI using external ankle supports compared with no support.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two authors independently identified studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias (Cochrane risk-of-bias tool version 2) and quality of evidence (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). Random-effects meta-analysis was used to compare between-groups mean differences with 95% CIs. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation recommendations were used to determine the certainty of findings.

DATA SYNTHESIS

A total of 13 studies of low to moderate risk of bias were included. During landing, very low-grade evidence indicated external ankle supports reduce frontal-plane excursion (mean difference [95% CI] = -1.83° [-2.97°, -0.69°], P = .002), plantar-flexion angle at initial contact (-3.86° [-6.18°, -1.54°], P = .001), and sagittal-plane excursion (-3.45° [-5.00°, -1.90°], P < .001) but not inversion angle at initial contact (-1.00° [-3.59°, 1.59°], P = .45). During running, very low- to low-grade evidence indicated external ankle supports reduce sagittal-plane excursion (-5.21° [-8.59°, -1.83°], P = .003) but not inversion angle at initial contact (0.32° [-2.11°, 1.47°], P = .73), frontal-plane excursion (-1.31° [-3.24°, 0.63°], P = .19), or plantar-flexion angle at initial contact (-0.12° [-3.54°, 3.29°], P = .94). Studies investigating changes of direction were insufficient.

CONCLUSIONS

Very low-grade evidence indicated external ankle supports reduce frontal-plane excursion but not inversion angle at initial contact in participants with CAI during landing. Limiting frontal-plane excursion may reduce ankle-sprain risk. Frontal-plane ankle kinematics were not influenced by external ankle supports during running. Sagittal-plane reductions were observed with external ankle supports during landing and running with low to very low certainty, but their influence on ankle-sprain risk is undetermined.

Effects of truncal taping on center of gravity sway: comparison of different trunk muscle masses

[Purpose] Taping is a therapeutic technique used to prevent and treat sporting injuries and other conditions. This study aimed to clarify how kinesio taping versus non-elastic taping of the trunk affects postural control. [Participants and Methods] Thirty-three healthy male participants were included in this study. Participants were assigned to low or high trunk skeletal muscle mass groups. Main outcomes of path length and area representing the center of gravity sway were measured using a Zebris FDM-S system in three conditions: control, kinesio taping, and non-elastic taping. Tapes were applied to the rectus abdominis, external oblique, and erector spinae muscles. The measured limb position was seated on a balance cushion. [Results] The area of the low trunk mass group differed significantly between kinesio and non-elastic taping. However, the path length of the low trunk mass group and path length and area of participants with high trunk mass did not differ significantly between groups. [Conclusion] This study's findings indicated that two types of taping methods affected the area of gravitational sway in healthy adult males with a low trunk muscle mass.

Ankle Sprain Bracing Solutions and Future Design Consideration for Civilian and Military Use

INTRODUCTION

Ankle sprains are common injuries within the civilian and military populations, with lingering symptoms that include pain, swelling, giving-way, and a high likelihood for recurrence. Numerous bracing systems are available to stabilize the ankle joint following sprains, with new design iterations frequently entering the market. Currently available braces generally include sleeve, lace-up, and stirrup designs. Sleeves provide mild compression and warmth but limited stability for the ankle, while lace-ups and stirrups appear to be more effective at preventing and treating lateral ankle sprains.

AREAS COVERED

This review summarizes the use of various brace options in practice. Their major clinical benefits, and limitations are highlighted, followed by an overview of emerging concepts in brace design. Current advancements in biomechanical simulation, multifunctional material fabrication, and wearable, field-deployed devices for human injury surveillance are discussed, providing possibilities for conceiving new design concepts for next-generation smart ankle braces.

EXPERT OPINION

Performance of the commercially available braces are limited by their current design concepts. Suggestions on future brace design include: (1) incorporating high-performance materials suitable for extreme environments, (2) leveraging modeling and simulation techniques to predict mechanical support requirements, and (3) implementing adaptive, customizable componentry material to meet the needs of each unique patient.

Protection by Ankle Brace for Lower-Extremity Joints in Half-Squat Parachuting Landing With a Backpack

Half-squat parachuting landing is a kind of activity with high impact force. Injuries on lower-extremity joints are common in half-squat parachuting landing and would be increased with a backpack. An ankle brace was used to prevent ankle injuries in landing. However, few quantitative studies reported about the protection of an ankle brace for lower-extremity joints in half-squat parachuting landing with a backpack. This study focused on evaluating the protective effects of an ankle brace in half-squat parachuting landing with a backpack. Seven male participants landed from 120 cm with a backpack and an ankle brace. Each participant performed three landing trials on every experimental condition. Kinetics and kinematics of the hip, knee, and ankle were analyzed. It was found that the ankle brace did not significantly affect the ground reaction force with backpack but increased the ground reaction force from 14.7 ± 2.0 bodyweight to 16.2 ± 1.9 bodyweight (p = 0.017) without the backpack. The ankle brace significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the angular displacement, angular velocity, and angular acceleration of the ankle both without and with the backpack. In conclusion, the ankle brace could restrict ankle motion and significantly increase ground reaction force without the backpack. However, the ankle brace did not significantly influence ground reaction force and still restricted ankle motion with the backpack. Therefore, the ankle brace was more effective in half-squat parachuting landing with the backpack than no-backpack landing.

Effects of Nonelastic Taping and Dual Task on Kinematics and Kinetics of the Ankle Joint

Objectives

The purpose of this experimental study was to investigate the effects of nonelastic taping and dual task on ankle kinematics and kinetics in gait analysis of healthy adults.

Methods

A total of 21 healthy adults completed trials of gait analysis using a Vicon system combining ground walking with different cognitive task conditions (none, modified Stroop color/character naming, and serial-7 subtraction), with or without nonelastic taping. Ankle kinematics and kinetics including speed, ankle plantarflexion and inversion angle, ground reaction force (GRF), and stride time variability (STV) under all conditions of taping (YES or NO) and cognitive task (none, naming, and subtraction) were characterized and analyzed with repeated-measures ANOVA.

Results

As regards cognitive performance, the serial-7 subtraction performance under walking conditions with and without taping was significantly poorer than simple sitting condition (P < 0.001). For kinematics and kinetics, STV showed statistically significant decrease (P=0.02) when subjects underwent taping application. Vertical GRF was significantly greater under taping than barefoot (P=0.001). Ankle plantarflexion at initial contact (IC) under the dual-task walking was significantly more than under simple walking (P=0.008).

Conclusions

Applications of nonelastic taping and dual task may lead to the STV, vertical GRF, ankle plantarflexion, and speed alterations because of restricted joint range of motion and changed sensorimotor neural circuit. When healthy adults performed dual-task walking, central neural resources allocation was disturbed, leading to weakened performance in both motor and cognitive tasks.

Preliminary Evidence That Taping Does Not Optimize Joint Coupling of the Foot and Ankle Joints in Patients with Chronic Ankle Instability

BACKGROUND

Foot-ankle motion is affected by chronic ankle instability (CAI) in terms of altered kinematics. This study focuses on multisegmental foot-ankle motion and joint coupling in barefoot and taped CAI patients during the three subphases of stance at running.

METHODS

Foot segmental motion data of 12 controls and 15 CAI participants during running with a heel strike pattern were collected through gait analysis. CAI participants performed running trials in three conditions: barefoot running, and running with high-dye and low-dye taping. Dependent variables were the range of motion (RoM) occurring at the different inter-segment angles as well as the cross-correlation coefficients between predetermined segments.

RESULTS

There were no significant RoM differences for barefoot running between CAI patients and controls. In taped conditions, the first two subphases only showed RoM changes at the midfoot without apparent RoM reduction compared to the barefoot CAI condition. In the last subphase there was limited RoM reduction at the mid- and rearfoot. Cross-correlation coefficients highlighted a tendency towards weaker joint coupling in the barefoot CAI condition compared to the controls. Joint coupling within the taped CAI conditions did not show optimization compared to the barefoot CAI condition.

CONCLUSIONS

RoM was not significantly changed for barefoot running between CAI patients and controls. In taped conditions, there was no distinct tendency towards lower mean RoM values due to the mechanical restraints of taping. Joint coupling in CAI patients was not optimized by taping.

People with chronic ankle instability benefit from brace application in highly dynamic change of direction movements

Background

The application of ankle braces is an effective method for the prevention of recurrent ankle sprains. It has been proposed that the reduction of injury rates is based on the mechanical stiffness of the brace and on beneficial effects on proprioception and neuromuscular activation. Yet, how the neuromuscular system responds to the application of various types of ankle braces during highly dynamic injury-relevant movements is not well understood. Enhanced stability of the ankle joint seems especially important for people with chronic ankle instability. We therefore aimed to analyse the effects of a soft and a semi-rigid ankle brace on the execution of highly dynamic 180° turning movements in participants with and without chronic ankle instability.

Methods

Fifteen participants with functional ankle instability, 15 participants with functional and mechanical ankle instability and 15 healthy controls performed 180° turning movements in reaction to light signals in a cross-sectional descriptive laboratory study. Ankle joint kinematics and kinetics as well as neuromuscular activation of muscles surrounding the ankle joint were determined. Two-way repeated measures analyses of variance and post-hoc t-tests were calculated.

Results

Maximum ankle inversion angles and velocities were significantly reduced with the semi-rigid brace in comparison to the conditions without a brace and with the soft brace (p ≤ 0.006, d ≥ 0.303). Effect sizes of these reductions were larger in participants with chronic ankle instability than in healthy controls. Furthermore, peroneal activation levels decreased significantly with the semi-rigid brace in the 100 ms before and after ground contact. No statistically significant brace by group effects were found.

Conclusions

Based on these findings, we argue that people with ankle instability in particular seem to benefit from a semi-rigid ankle brace, which allows them to keep ankle inversion angles in a range that is comparable to values of healthy people. Lower ankle inversion angles and velocities with a semi-rigid brace may explain reduced injury incidences with brace application. The lack of effect of the soft brace indicates that the primary mechanism behind the reduction of inversion angles and velocities is the mechanical resistance of the brace in the frontal plane.

Kinesiotaping Techniques to Alter Static Load in Patients With Foot Pronation

Objective

This study aimed to assess the effect of kinesio tape (KT) application on foot pronation using the laser postural alignment system.

Methods

Twenty participants (10 females and 10 males, mean age 19.7 ± 1.2 years) with foot pronation were included in the study. The laser line projected on the participant by the laser postural alignment system showed the joint load carrying line. The location of the joint load carrying line was assessed during barefoot static standing with one foot on the force plate before KT application, immediately after application, then 24 and 48 hours later. Displacement of the load-carrying line was measured using a ruler placed tangentially to the patella and ankle joint at the level of the joint line. Weight bearing on the barefoot was assessed before KT application, immediately after, then 24 and 48 hours later.

Results

Weight bearing was not significantly changed after KT application. The load-carrying line measured using KT did not notably move with KT versus without KT in the ankle joint. Immediately after KT application, significant lateral knee joint movement was measured, but this change was not importantly 24 and 48 hours later.

Conclusion

KT was not altered in changing weight bearing or moving the lower extremity load-carrying line in people with foot pronation. KT of the foot can amplify sensory input and improve perceived comfort; therefore, it can be used with an orthotic insole in footwear.

Acute Effect of Ankle Kinesio™ Taping on Lower-Limb Biomechanics During Single-Legged Drop Landing

CONTEXT

Chronic ankle instability is documented to be followed by a recurrence of giving away episodes due to impairments in mechanical support. The application of ankle Kinesiotaping (KT) as a therapeutic intervention has been increasingly raised among athletes and physiotherapists.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the impacts of ankle KT on the lower-limb kinematics, kinetics, dynamic balance, and muscle activity of college athletes with chronic ankle instability.

DESIGN

A crossover study design.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-eight college athletes with chronic ankle sprain (11 females and 17 males, 23.46 [2.65] y, 175.36 [11.49] cm, 70.12 [14.11] kg) participated in this study.

SETTING

The participants executed 3 single-leg drop landings under nontaped and ankle Kinesio-taped conditions. Ankle, knee, and hip kinematics, kinetics, and dynamic balance status and the lateral gastrocnemius, medial gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, and peroneus longus muscle activity were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

The application of ankle KT decreased ankle joint range of motion (P = .039) and angular velocities (P = .044) in the sagittal plane, ground reaction force rate of loading (P = .019), and mediolateral time to stability (P = .035). The lateral gastrocnemius (0.002) and peroneus longus (0.046) activity amplitudes also experienced a significant decrease after initial ground contact when the participants' ankles were taped, while the application of ankle KT resulted in an increase in the peroneus longus (0.014) activity amplitudes before initial ground contact.

CONCLUSIONS

Ankle lateral supports provided by KT potentially decreases mechanical stresses applied to the lower limbs, aids in dynamic balance, and lowers calf muscle energy consumption; therefore, it could be offered as a suitable supportive means for acute usage in athletes with chronic ankle instability.

Ankle-knee coupling responses to ankle Kinesio™ taping during single-leg drop landings in collegiate athletes with chronic ankle instability

BACKGROUND

Ankle Kinesio-taping (KT) is being globally used an intervention to provide the ankle joint complex with sufficient support against sudden excessive mechanical stress during various activities. However, its effects on proximal joints are unclear. This study investigated the impact of ankle KT on ankle-knee joint coupling in sagittal, frontal and transverse planes.

METHODS

Adopting a pretest post-test study design, 30 collegiate athletes with chronic ankle instability performed 3 single-leg drop landings in each non-taped and Kinesio-taped conditions and their movement kinematics were recorded using 6 optoelectronic cameras.

RESULTS

The ankle angular velocities in sagittal (P=0.038, d=0.64) and transverse planes (P=0.001, d=0.95) decreased after KT application, while the knee internal rotation velocities increased (P=0.020, d=0.51). The coupling angles revealed that the ankle movement ratios significantly decreased in 3 planes in comparison with knee movement ratios.

CONCLUSIONS

Outcomes of this study illustrated that application of ankle KT leaves the individuals with a stiffer ankle joint, which increases the mechanical stresses to this joint and decreases its stiffness in absorbing the applied shocks. Further, ankle KT application resulted in more knee internal rotation moments and may increase the risk of knee injuries during landing after a long-term usage in patients with instability ankle sprain.

Effects of Kinesiotape vs Soft and Semirigid Ankle Orthoses on Balance in Patients With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a frequent complication of ankle sprain that may be associated with long-term consequences. Although taping and bracing are common interventions that are widely used by clinicians and athletic trainers for patients with CAI, no studies have compared the effects of kinesiotaping and bracing on balance performance in these patients. The present study aimed to compare the effects of ankle kinesiotaping, a soft ankle orthosis, and a semirigid ankle orthosis on balance performance in patients with CAI.

METHODS

Sixty patients with CAI were randomly assigned to 4 groups that received kinesiotaping, a soft orthosis, a semirigid orthosis, or no treatment (control group). Dynamic and static balance were measured with the modified Star Excursion Balance Test, single leg hop test, and single leg stance test before and after a 4-week intervention period.

RESULTS

Significant between-group differences were seen in all evaluated outcomes (P ≤ .003). The lowest reach distances in all directions in the modified Star Excursion Balance Test were found in the control group, and these patients also had a significantly shorter measured distance in the single leg hop test, and more errors in the single leg stance test compared with the 3 intervention groups. No significant differences were found among the 3 intervention groups.

CONCLUSION

Use of kinesiotaping and a soft or a semirigid ankle brace for 4 weeks were all beneficial in improving static and dynamic balance in individuals with CAI. None of the interventions was superior to the other 2.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I, randomized controlled trial.

Acute Effect of Ankle Kinesio and Athletic Taping on Ankle Range of Motion During Various Agility Tests in Athletes With Chronic Ankle Sprain

Background:Taping is a preventive measure commonly used for protecting and strengthening the ankle joint to prevent further musculoskeletal damage. Ankle taping prevents excessive range of motion (ROM) of the ankle joint and allows the improvement of proprioception to adjust balance. Appropriate ankle stability is essential for various activities, such as sprinting, turning, cutting, and jumping, which are associated with agility.Aim:To assess the acute effect of Kinesio taping and athletic taping on the ankle ROM of athletes with chronic ankle sprain during various agility tests that include sprinting, turning, and cutting actions.Methods:Twenty-five physically active volunteers with chronic ankle sprain performed the Illinois, 5–0–5, 10-m shuttle, hexagon, compass drill, and T agility tests in 3 ankle conditions (nontaped, Kinesio taped, and athletic taped), in random order. Ankle ROM was recorded using the Vicon motion capture system.Results:In comparison with the nontaped ankle condition, in the ankle Kinesio-taping condition, the results showed a significant increase of ankle ROM in the sprinting part of the Illinois, 5–0–5, 10-m shuttle, and T agility tests (P ≤ .01), whereas in the ankle athletic-taping condition, no significant difference was found in ankle ROM during all agility tests.Conclusion:In sports that need linear sprinting, Kinesio taping seems to be a suitable intervention for the improvement of sports performance as it provides increased ankle ROM.

Effects of Different Ankle Supports on the Single-Leg Lateral Drop Landing Following Muscle Fatigue in Athletes with Functional Ankle Instability

Background: Ankle support has been utilized for athletes with functional ankle instability (FAI), however, its effect on the landing performance during muscle fatigue is not well understood. This study aimed to examine the effects of ankle supports (ankle brace vs. Kinesio tape) on athletes with FAI following fatigued single-leg landing. Methods: Thirty-three young FAI athletes (CAIT scores < 24) were randomly allocated to control (Cn), ankle brace (AB) and Kinesio tape (KT) groups. All athletes performed single-leg lateral drop landings following ankle fatigue protocol. The fatigue-induced changes in kinetic parameters were measured among three groups. Results: A significant increase in peak vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) was found in the AB group (0.12% body weight (BW)) compared to that of the KT (0.02% BW) and Cn (median = 0.01% BW) groups. Significant decrease in both COP medial-lateral (ML) and anterior-posterior (AP) ranges were also found in the KT group (median = −0.15% foot width (FW) & median = −0.28% foot length (FL)) than those of the Cn group (median = 0.67% FW& median = 0.88% FL). Conclusions: Ankle braces might hamper the ability to absorb the impact force during landing. On the other hand, Kinesio tape might be beneficial for the postural control during landing.

Exploring the Justifications for Selecting a Drop Landing Task to Assess Injury Biomechanics: A Narrative Review and Analysis of Landings Performed by Female Netball Players

When assessing biomechanics in a laboratory setting, task selection is critical to the production of accurate and meaningful data. The injury biomechanics of landing is commonly investigated in a laboratory setting using a drop landing task. However, why this task is so frequently chosen is unclear. Therefore, this narrative review aimed to (1) identify the justification/s provided within the published literature as to why a drop landing task was selected to investigate the injury biomechanics of landing in sport and (2) use current research evidence, supplemented by a new set of biomechanical data, to evaluate whether the justifications are supported. To achieve this, a comprehensive literature search using Scopus, PubMed, and SPORTDiscus online databases was conducted for studies that had collected biomechanical data relating to sport injuries using a drop landing task. In addition, kinematic and kinetic data were collected from female netball players during drop landings and maximum-effort countermovement jumps from the ground to grab a suspended ball. The literature search returned a total of 149 articles that were reviewed to determine the justification for selecting a drop landing task. Of these, 54% provided no explicit justification to explain why a drop landing task was chosen, and 15% stated it was selected because it had been used in previous research. Other reasons included that the drop landing provides high experimental control (16%), is a functional sports task (11%), and is a dynamic task (6%). Evidence in the literature suggests that the biomechanical data produced with drop landings may not be as externally valid as more sport-specific tasks. Biomechanical data showed that the drop landing may not control center of mass fall height any better than maximum-effort countermovement jumps from the ground. Further, the frequently used step-off technique to initiate drop landings resulted in kinematic and kinetic asymmetries between lower limbs, which would otherwise be symmetrical when performing a countermovement jump from the ground. Researchers should consider the limitations of a drop landing task and endeavor to improve the laboratory tasks used to collect biomechanical data to examine the injury biomechanics of landing.

Stair descent biomechanics reflect perceived instability in people with unilateral ankle sprain history

BACKGROUND

Efforts have been exerted to establish the correlation between objective variables and subjectively perceived ankle instability. Whether or not biomechanical parameters during stair descent can serve as potential assessment tools for perceived stability in people with unilateral ankle sprain history is unknown.

METHODS

Twenty-four subjects with unilateral ankle sprain history were categorized into four groups according to the severity of perceived stability during stair descent. Kinematic and kinetic parameters during stair descent were obtained with a motion analysis system. Spearman's correlation coefficient (ρ) was utilized to test the correlation between the score of perceived stability during stair descent and biomechanical variables.

FINDINGS

Subjects with increased perceived instability were likely to show increased ankle inversion (ρ = -0.46, p = .025) and increased ankle plantarflexion (ρ = 0.46, p = .025), with increased hip adduction (ρ = -0.43, p = .036), hip flexion (ρ = -0.56, p = .004), knee adduction (ρ = 0.45, p = .027), and knee flexion (ρ = -0.44, p = .031). No significant correlation was detected between kinetic variables and perceived stability.

INTERPRETATION

Sagittal and coronal plane motions of the ankle might require rehabilitative intervention to produce improved self-reported outcomes. Kinematic assessment during stair descent can aid in the quantification of subjective ankle instability.

Effect of Kinesio taping on clinical symptoms in people with fibromyalgia: A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a disorder characterized by chronic widespread pain and muscle soreness. Because of its high prevalence, many therapeutic approaches have been proposed with the aim of improving overall physical function and reducing pain. Since low adherence is one of the major limitations among these patients, treatments that do not interfere with their daily routines, such as KT, would be a feasible option.

OBJECTIVE

The main goal of this study was to analyze the effect of Kinesio Tape (KT) on pain, posture, body comfort and quality of life (QoL) in people with FMS.

METHODS

Thirty-five women (between 17 and 70 years of age) with FMS were randomly allocated to two treatment groups, depending on the location of the KT: "Upper trunk group" (UTG) (n= 18) and "Global trunk group" (GTG) (n= 17). The intervention period lasted 3 weeks. Pain, comfort, trunk posture and QoL were assessed before and after the intervention.

RESULTS

Both KT treatments were effective in reducing pain and improving neck and shoulder comfort (p< 0.05). The GTG achieved a significant improvement in thoracic comfort (p< 0.05), whereas the UTG experienced a significant improvement in non-dominant side trunk posture and showed a significant improvement in the QoL score (p< 0.05).

CONCLUSION

GT and UT KT applications have positive effects on patients with FMS and may be considered as a suitable treatment option among this population.

THE EFFECT of KINESIO TAPE® on STATIC FOOT POSTURE, PLANTAR PRESSURE, and REARFOOT MOTION in INDIVIDUALS with PRONATED FEET

Background

Kinesio Tape® (KT) is an elastic therapeutic tape that is applied to the skin for treatment of sport-related injuries. Its application has been purported to facilitate the neuromuscular system, thus altering skeletal muscle activity to increase joint range of motion and improve performance. Due to its proposed therapeutic effect, KT may benefit individuals with excess foot pronation in order to decrease pain and improve function. Unfortunately, current research regarding the ability of KT to alter foot biomechanics is limited.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine if the application of KT to the ankle and lower leg would alter static foot posture, plantar pressure, and foot motion during walking in individuals with foot pronation.

Study Design

Prospective Cohort Study.

Methods

Thirty participants (10M/20F) were recruited for this study. Each participant had their dorsal arch height and midfoot width measured prior to the application of the KT. In addition, their dynamic rearfoot eversion and plantar pressure was recorded during walking using an electrogoniometer and plantar pressure system. After these measurements were collected, KT was applied to their right foot and lower leg in order to attempt to facilitate activity in the posterior tibialis muscle. After applying the tape, the above measurements were repeated.

Results

None of the variables measured were statistically significantly different between the pre-test and post-test.

Conclusion

Application of KT did not result in a change in static foot posture, plantar pressure, and frontal plane rearfoot motion during walking. As such, KT cannot be recommended as a treatment for reducing excessive foot pronation where such a goal would be beneficial.

Level of Evidence

Level 3.

Chronic Ankle Instability Does Not Influence Tibiofemoral Contact Forces During Drop Landings Using a Musculoskeletal Model

The purpose of the study was to compare the tibiofemoral contact forces of participants with chronic ankle instability versus controls during landings using a computer-simulated musculoskeletal model. A total of 21 female participants with chronic ankle instability and 21 pair-matched controls performed a drop landing task on a tilted force plate. A 7-camera motion capture system and 2 force plates were used to test participants' lower-extremity biomechanics. A musculoskeletal model was used to calculate the tibiofemoral contact forces (femur on tibia). No significant between-group differences were observed for the peak tibiofemoral contact forces (P = .25-.48) during the landing phase based on paired t tests. The group differences ranged from 0.05 to 0.58 body weight (BW). Most participants demonstrated a posterior force (peak, ∼1.1 BW) for most duration of the landing phase and a medial force (peak, ∼0.9 BW) and large compressive force (peak, ∼10 BW) in the landing phase. The authors conclude that chronic ankle instability may not be related to the increased tibiofemoral contact forces or knee injury mechanisms during landings on the tilted surface.

Effect of Kinesio Taping and balance exercises on postural control in amateur soccer players: A randomised control trial

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of Kinesio Taping (KT), alone or together with balance exercises (BE), on parameters related to postural control, such as dynamic balance, static balance and flexibility. Forty-four male amateur soccer players (mean age 24.45 (4.79) years) were randomly allocated to 3 groups: KT+BE that received KT and BE (n = 16); KT_p+BE, in which the KT was used as a placebo (n = 15) and KT alone (n = 13). The intervention period lasted 4 weeks. Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), Unipedal Stance Test (UST) and the Toe Touch Test (TTT) were assessed at baseline (pre), two weeks after beginning the treatment (mid) and after the intervention (post). We observed a significant improvement on the SEBT (mid and post-treatment) and the UST (post-treatment), but not on the TTT in either KT+BE or KT_p+BE groups post treatment. No differences were found either in KT group at any time point or between groups in any variable studied. In conclusion, KT functional correction technique does not improve static and dynamic balance when applied alone, whereas BE alone or combined with KT significantly improves these variables. None of these techniques has any effect on flexibility. Abbreviation: KT: Kinesiotaping; BE: Balance exercises; KTp: Placebo Kinesiotaping; UST: Unipedal Stance Test; SEBT: Star Excursion Balance Test; TTT: Toe Touch Test.

Effects of an ankle brace on the in vivo kinematics of patients with chronic ankle instability during walking on an inversion platform

BACKGROUND

As in vivo tibiotalar and subtalar joint kinematics are not currently known following the application of an ankle brace, an investigation of these kinematics may provide insight into the mechanisms of ankle braces.

RESEARCH QUESTION

This study aimed to determine the effect of an ankle brace on in vivo kinematics of patients with chronic ankle instability.

METHODS

Eleven patients with chronic ankle instability were recruited in this study. A dual fluoroscopic imaging system and a solid modeling software were utilized to calculate the joint positions of the participants as they walked barefooted on a level platform, walked barefooted on a 15° inversion platform, and walked with an ankle brace on a 15° inversion platform. The joint positions during the three walking conditions were compared.

RESULTS

Tibiotalar joints were more inverted (pose 2, p = .004), and subtalar joints were more anteriorly translated (pose 2-6, p = .003), more plantarflexed (pose 2, p = .008; pose 3, p = .013; pose 5, p = .008; pose 6, p = .016) and more inverted (pose 1-5, p = .003; pose 6, p = .013) during barefooted walking on the inversion platform than during walking on the level platform. The inversion of subtalar joints was decreased after the brace application (pose 2-4, p = .003; pose 5, p = .004; pose 7, p = .016).

SIGNIFICANCE

Brace application reduced the increased subtalar inversion induced by the inversion platform. Nevertheless, increased subtalar anterior translation and plantarflexion persisted after brace application. The ankle brace might be beneficial for clinical populations with increased subtalar inversion.

EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF ELASTIC BANDAGE ON THE ANKLE BASKETBALL PLAYERS WITH AND WITHOUT CHRONIC INSTABILITY

ABSTRACT Introduction: Basketball is a sport that requires good motor coordination as well as intense and multidirectional movements. Chronic ankle instability affects about 40% of patients who have sustained a sprain injury. In order to minimize the effects of this dysfunction, functional elastic tape has been widely used due to its mechanical properties, having some positive effects on athletes’ functional performance. Objective: To evaluate the effect of elastic tapes on the ankles of basketball players with and without chronic instability. Method: Thirteen athletes from a varsity basketball team of both sexes, aged between 18 and 30 years (23.2 ± 3.2 years), who had been playing the sport for at least one year and trained at least twice a week. The subjects were assessed using the anterior drawer test for the presence or absence of chronic ankle instability and in three different situations: placebo, elastic tape and control, and the order of use of the implements was randomly determined, using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) to assess the ankle stability of these athletes. Results: Among the eight directions proposed in the SEBT, there was statistical significance in the difference in three directions for the placebo method in comparison to elastic taping and control. There was no statistical significance in the difference in four directions between the assessments, and there was no statistical significance in the difference in all directions between the control and elastic tapes. Conclusion: It can be inferred from the study that elastic taping does not have positive effects on joint stability in athletes with and without chronic instability, taking into account their functionality. Levef of Evidence I; High quality randomized trial with statistically significant difference or no statistically significant difference but narrow confidence intervals.

EFFECTS OF ATHLETIC TAPING ON PERFORMANCE OF BASKETBALL ATHLETES WITH CHRONIC ANKLE INSTABILITY

ABSTRACT Introduction: Ankle sprains are recurrent injuries in basketball, hence more and more athletes are taping their ankles to promote joint stability, aiming at improving dynamic balance and, consequently, functional performance. Objective: To verify the effects of elastic and rigid athletic taping on the functional performance and level of comfort of basketball players with chronic ankle instability. Methods: Twenty-one athletes aged between 18 and 30 years (mean age 23.7 ± 3.2) with chronic ankle instability (CAI), verified using the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool, were selected to take part in this study. The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and the Figure-of-8 hop test (F8) were applied unilaterally to assess functional performance, considering the ankle of greater instability in three situations: without athletic taping, with rigid athletic taping and with elastic athletic taping. A draw was held to determine the order in which the tests (held over a number of days) would be applied. A questionnaire was conducted to assess comfort on the same day the athletic tapes were applied. Results: There was no significant difference between the tests in any direction of the SEBT, but there was a significant difference in F8 between the rigid athletic taping x control and elastic athletic taping x control situations. In addition, the elastic athletic tape was considered significantly more comfortable than the rigid athletic tape. Conclusion: Athletic taping appears to effectively improve the dynamic balance and functional performance of athletes with CAI only in activities that cause considerable joint stress, as is the case in F8. Elastic athletic tape appears to be just as effective as rigid athletic tape in these situations, in addition to being a significantly more comfortable alternative. Levef of Evidence I; High quality randomized trial with statistically significant difference or no statistically significant difference but narrow confidence intervals.

Nonelastic and Kinesio Tex Tapes Improve Perceived Stability But Not Postural Control in Participants With Chronic Ankle Instability

The development of chronic ankle instability (CAI) is common following a lateral ankle sprain. Taping using nonelastic and Kinesio Tex (KT) tapes remain popular treatment strategies. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if KT tape improves static and dynamic postural control relative to nonelastic tape and a control condition. Twenty-four participants completed all three conditions. No immediate improvements in postural control were noted in either taping condition. Both nonelastic and KT tape improved perceived stability relative to the control condition. In conclusion, nonelastic and KT tape should not be used to immediately improve postural control in CAI participants.