A comparison of the effects of ankle taping styles on biomechanics during ankle inversion

Caracterización del perfil profesional y rol del fisioterapeuta del área deportiva en Cauca y Nariño

Introducción: El rol del fisioterapeuta deportivo está definido respecto a las competencias que debería ejercer, pero no hay claridad en que si se está cumpliendo con dichas competencias debido a las escasas investigaciones. Objetivo: Describir el perfil profesional y el rol del fisioterapeuta deportivo en el Cauca y Nariño. Método: Tipo de estudio descriptivo – trasversal, la muestra del estudio fueron 21 profesionales de Fisioterapia vinculados al área de deporte, en los departamentos de Cauca y Nariño en el  2019. Resultados: el género masculino prevalece, en donde más laboran los fisioterapeutas es en institutos o secretarías de deporte, en nivel de formación académica 52,4% tenía posgrado en deporte y actividad física, en el tipo de contratación tiene mayor prevalencia la prestación de servicios. De las competencias de mayor actuación prevalece la prevención, el retorno al deporte, promoción de la salud, el entrenamiento. En las funciones del Ft, se reporta en mayor medida él siempre está presente en los entrenos, él nunca está presente en las competencias y a veces viaja con el equipo, el 85,7% reporto que si realizan prevención de lesiones, en cuanto a la indicación de Fisioterapia el 42,9% reporto que se realiza por médico y fisioterapeuta. Conclusiones: La mitad de los fisioterapeutas deportivos realizan estudios de postgrado. El rol del fisioterapeuta es principalmente para la rehabilitación de lesiones. La mayoría de fisioterapeutas no basan su abordaje en modelos teóricos o en  evidencia científica; La indicación de FT deportiva en su mayoría es realizada en conjunto Fisioterapeuta- Medico.

Temporal differences in the myoelectric activity of lower limb muscles during rearfoot and forefoot running: A statistical parametric mapping approach

The aim of this study was to apply statistical parametric mapping (SPM) to compare temporal changes in EMG amplitude between rearfoot (RF) and forefoot (FF) running techniques. Eleven recreational runners ran on a treadmill at a self-selected speed, once using a RF strike pattern and once using a FF strike pattern (randomized order). The myoelectric activity of five lower limb muscles [rectus femoris (RFe), biceps femoris (BF), tibialis anterior (TA), medial and lateral gastrocnemius (MG and LG)] was evaluated, using bipolar electromyography (EMG). EMG data from the RF and FF running techniques was then processed and posteriorly compared with SPM, dividing the analysis of the running cycle into stance and swing phases. The MG and LG muscles showed higher activation during FF running at the beginning of the stance phase and at the end of the swing phase. During the end of the swing phase the TA muscle's EMG amplitude was higher, when the RF running technique was used. A higher level of co-activation between the gastrocnemius and TA muscles was observed at the end of the swing phase during RF running. The myoelectric behaviour of the RFe and BF muscles was similar during both running techniques. These findings highlight the importance of SPM for the accurate assessment of differences in muscle activity during running and strongly suggest that these two running techniques predominately reflect adjustments of the leg and not the thigh muscles.

Effects of 12 Weeks of Tai Chi Intervention in Patients With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Randomized Controlled Trial

CONTEXT

Tai Chi is a physical activity modality which is widely practiced over the world. The effectiveness of Tai Chi on postural control and balance has been described in older population, but until recently there are no studies that include patients with chronic ankle instability.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 12 weeks of Tai Chi intervention on dynamic balance and self-reported instability in patients with chronic ankle instability.

STUDY DESIGN

A randomized controlled trial was carried out.

SETTING

University physical therapy facility.

PARTICIPANTS

Fifty-two participants were allocated to an intervention group (n = 26) based on Tai Chi training or a control group (n = 26) who received no intervention.

INTERVENTION

The participants completed 12 weeks of Tai Chi intervention (1 h session/2 times per week) or no intervention in the control group.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Outcome measures included postural control and self-reported instability feeling assessed by the Star Excursion Balance Test and the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool, respectively.

RESULTS

There was observed significant improvement in all Star Excursion Balance Test reach distances (anterior [F = 6.26, P < .01]; posteromedial [F = 9.58, P < .01], and posterolateral [F = 8.42, P < .01]) in the Tai Chi group with no change in the control group (P < .01). The intervention group demonstrated significant improvement on self-reported instability feeling assessed by the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool questionnaire (F = 21.36, P < .01).

CONCLUSION

The obtained results suggested that 12 weeks of Tai Chi intervention have positive effects on postural control and self-reported instability feeling in patients with chronic ankle instability.

Foot and ankle kinematics in chronic ankle instability subjects using a midfoot strike pattern when running, including influence of taping

BACKGROUND

Investigate differences in multi-segment foot kinematics between controls and participants with chronic ankle instability during running with a midfoot striking pattern and to evaluate the effect of Low-Dye and High-Dye taping.

METHODS

Three-dimensional multi-segment foot kinematics of 12 controls and 15 participants with chronic ankle instability were collected while running barefoot, and in both taping conditions. Ranges of motion occurring at each joint, each sub phase of stance, were compared between groups and between taping conditions (0-dimensional inference). Kinematic data were also compared using one-dimensional statistical parametric mapping.

FINDINGS

The symptomatic group demonstrated while barefoot running a significantly decreased rearfoot dorsiflexion range of motion during the peak impact phase as well as a less dorsiflexed position from 6 to 12% of the running cycle. During the absorption and generation phase, the symptomatic group also showed a significantly increased rearfoot dorsiflexion and adduction motion as well as an increased midfoot inversion motion. In the peak impact phase of both taping conditions, a decreased midfoot inversion motion was found. The High-Dye taping resulted in a decreased rearfoot plantarflexion motion whereas the Low-Dye caused a decreased midfoot inversion motion.

INTERPRETATION

Persons with chronic ankle instability seem to have altered rearfoot and midfoot kinematics while running with a midfoot striking index. High-Dye taping seems to have better therapeutic features than Low-Dye taping.

Effect of prophylactic ankle taping on ankle and knee biomechanics during basketball-specific tasks in females

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ankle taping on ankle and knee joint biomechanics during cutting and rebound activities in females.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

SETTING

Laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty semi-professional female basketball players performed a cut and rebound task under two conditions (taped and no-tape).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Kinematic and ground reaction force data were collected during the deceleration phase of each movement task.

RESULTS

Taping resulted in a significant reduction in peak ankle dorsiflexion, inversion and internal rotation angles and range of motion (ROM) at the ankle joint; and reduced knee ROM in the sagittal plane during the rebound task only. Taping significantly reduced peak knee flexion moment (0.29 Nm/kg, P = 0.013) and increased knee internal rotation moment (0.63 Nm/kg, P = 0.026) during the cutting task compared to control. Taping also significantly reduced the internal rotation moment (0.07 Nm/kg, P = 0.025), and medial shear forces (0.14 N/kg, P = 0.012) in the rebound task.

CONCLUSION

Results of the study suggest that ankle taping restrict ankle range of movement in the rebound task only and ankle taping appears to have upstream effects on the knee, which may have injury implications.

Ankle taping can reduce external ankle joint moments during drop landings on a tilted surface

Ankle taping is commonly used to prevent ankle sprains. However, kinematic assessments investigating the biomechanical effects of ankle taping have provided inconclusive results. This study aimed to determine the effect of ankle taping on the external ankle joint moments during a drop landing on a tilted surface at 25°. Twenty-five participants performed landings on a tilted force platform that caused ankle inversion with and without ankle taping. Landing kinematics were captured using a motion capture system. External ankle inversion moment, the angular impulse due to the medio-lateral and vertical components of ground reaction force (GRF) and their moment arm lengths about the ankle joint were analysed. The foot plantar inclination relative to the ground was assessed. In the taping condition, the foot plantar inclination and ankle inversion angular impulse were reduced significantly compared to that of the control. The only component of the external inversion moment to change significantly in the taped condition was a shortened medio-lateral GRF moment arm length. It can be assumed that the ankle taping altered the foot plantar inclination relative to the ground, thereby shortening the moment arm of medio-lateral GRF that resulted in the reduced ankle inversion angular impulse.

Using Ankle Bracing and Taping to Decrease Range of Motion and Velocity During Inversion Perturbation While Walking

CONTEXT

Prophylactic ankle supports are commonly used. However, the effectiveness of external supports in preventing an inversion stress has been debated.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate how ankle bracing and taping affect inversion range of motion, time to maximum inversion, inversion velocity, and perceived ankle stability compared with a control condition during a dynamic inversion perturbation while walking.

DESIGN

Crossover study.

SETTING

Research laboratory.

PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS

A total of 42 physically active participants (16 men, 26 women; age = 21.2 ± 3.3 years, height = 168.9 ± 8.9 cm, mass = 66.1 ± 11.4 kg) volunteered.

INTERVENTION(S)

Participants walked on a custom-built walkway that suddenly inverted their ankles to 30° in 3 conditions: brace, tape, and control (no external support). We used an ASO ankle brace for the brace condition and a closed basketweave technique for the tape condition. Three trials were completed for each condition. Main Outcome Measure(s) Maximum inversion (degrees), time to maximum inversion (milliseconds), and inversion velocity (degrees per second) were measured using an electrogoniometer, and perceived stability (centimeters) was measured using a visual analog scale.

RESULTS

Maximum inversion decreased more in the brace condition (20.1°) than in the control (25.3°) or tape (22.3°) conditions (both P values = .001), and the tape condition restricted inversion more than the control condition (P = .001). Time to maximum inversion was greater in the brace condition (143.5 milliseconds) than in the control (123.7 milliseconds; P = .001) or tape (130.7 milliseconds; P = .009) conditions and greater in the tape than in the control condition (P = .02). Inversion velocity was slower in the brace condition (142.6°/s) than in the control (209.1°/s) or tape (174.3°/s) conditions (both P values = .001) and slower in the tape than in the control condition (P = .001). Both the brace and tape conditions provided more perceived stability (0.98 cm and 0.94 cm, respectively) than the control condition (2.38 cm; both P values = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Both prophylactic conditions affected inversion range of motion, time to maximum inversion, inversion velocity, and perceived ankle stability. However, bracing provided more restriction at a slower rate than taping.

Assessing performance, stability, and cleat comfort/support in collegiate club soccer players using prophylactic ankle taping and bracing

Soccer athletes at all levels of play are keenly aware of their equipment needs including cleat wear, and want to be protected from injury but without impeding on-field performance. Ankle injury is a common disorder that is prevalent in the sport of soccer and recent improvements in ankle prophylaxis interventions have proven effective. The aim of this study was to determine if the use of elastic taping or a neoprene sleeve alters performance, stability, and cleat comfort/support in soccer players compared to wearing a soccer cleat without any external support. Twenty male collegiate club soccer players were recruited and randomly assigned to the three conditions (untaped control, taped, neoprene sleeve). Performance testing and comfort/support assessment for each condition took place in one on-field test session, while stability testing was completed during a separate laboratory session. The only significant finding was improved inversion/eversion stability in both the tape and sleeve conditions as compared to the cleated condition. The addition of tape or a sleeve did not have an adverse effect on performance or comfort during functional and stability testing, and should therefore be considered as a method to decrease ankle injuries in soccer athletes as external supports provide increased stability in inversion/eversion range of motion.

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

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of kinesiotape, non-elastic tape, and soft brace on segmental foot kinematics during drop landing in subjects with chronic ankle instability and healthy subjects.

DESIGN

Controlled study with repeated measurements.

SETTING

Three-dimensional motion analysis laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty participants with chronic ankle instability and 20 healthy subjects.

INTERVENTIONS

The subjects performed drop landings with 17 retroreflective markers on the foot and lower leg in four conditions: barefoot, with kinesiotape, with non-elastic tape and with a soft brace.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Ranges of motion of foot segments using a foot measurement method.

RESULTS

In participants with chronic ankle instability, midfoot movement in the frontal plane (inclination of the medial arch) was reduced significantly by non-elastic taping, but kinesiotaping and bracing had no effect. In healthy subjects, both non-elastic taping and bracing reduced that movement. In both groups, non-elastic taping and bracing reduced rearfoot excursion in inversion/eversion significantly, which indicates a stabilisation effect. No such effect was found with kinesiotaping. All three methods reduced maximum plantar flexion significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-elastic taping stabilised the midfoot best in patients with chronic ankle instability, while kinesiotaping did not influence foot kinematics other than to stabilise the rearfoot in the sagittal plane.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01810471.

Cohesive taping and short-leg casting in acute low-type ankle sprains in physically active patients

BACKGROUND

Cohesive taping is commonly used for the prevention or treatment of ankle sprain injuries. Short-leg cast immobilization or splinting is another treatment option in such cases. To determine the clinical efficacy and antiedema effects of cohesive taping and short-leg cast immobilization in acute low-type ankle sprains of physically active patients, we performed a preliminary clinical study to assess objective evidence for edema and functional patient American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores with these alternative treatments.

METHODS

Fifty-nine physically active patients were included: 32 in the taping group and 27 in the short-leg cast group within a year. If a sprain was moderate (grade II) or mild (grade I), we used functional taping or short-leg cast immobilization for 10 days. We evaluated the edema and the functional scores of the injured ankle using the AOFAS Clinical Rating System on days 1, 10, and 100.

RESULTS

In each group, edema significantly decreased and AOFAS scores increased indicating that both treatment methods were effective. With the numbers available, no statistically significant difference could be detected.

CONCLUSIONS

Each treatment method was effective in decreasing the edema and increasing the functional scores of the ankle. At the beginning of treatment, not only the level of edema but also the initial functional scores of the ankle and examinations are important in making decisions regarding the optimal treatment option.