The effect of ankle taping on functional performance in participants with functional ankle instability
Introduction
Taping is routinely used after ankle sprain, to support the joint and prevent re-injury (Handoll, Rowe, Quinn, & de Bie, 2006). But despite its widespread use during functional and sporting activities, the effect of taping on functional performance in participants after ankle sprain has received little attention. Yet this knowledge is important because it has been suggested that the constriction to movement conferred by rigid tape may disadvantage performance (Cordova, 2002). Most research has focussed on healthy participants and with inconsistent findings (Abian-Vicen, Alegre, Fernandez-Rodriguez, & Aguado, 2009; Broglio, Monk, Sopiarz, & Cooper, 2009; Burks, Bean, Marcus, & Barker, 1991; Jerosch et al., 1997, MacKean et al., 1995; Meana et al., 2007, Paris, 1992, Verbrugge, 1996); speed is either unaffected (MacKean et al., 1995, Paris, 1992, Verbrugge, 1996) or decreased (Burks et al., 1991) with tape; and positive (Jerosch et al., 1997), negative (Burks et al., 1991) or no effects have been found with tape during jump tests (Paris, 1992, Verbrugge, 1996). Agility (Jerosch et al., 1997, Paris, 1992, Verbrugge, 1996) and balance tests (Abian-Vicen et al., 2009, Broglio et al., 2009, Paris, 1992) were unaffected by tape application.
In those studies investigating functional performance outcomes in participants with ankle instability, most have used ankle braces (Friden et al., 1989, Gribble et al., 2010, Gross et al., 1997, Hals et al., 2000, Jerosch et al., 1997; Rosenbaum et al., 2005, Wiley and Nigg, 1996). Of these, most found that the brace did not reduce functional performance as tested by dynamic stability, figure-8 run time, vertical jump height, sprint time and agility course time (Gribble et al., 2010, Gross et al., 1997, Rosenbaum et al., 2005, Wiley and Nigg, 1996). In contrast, three studies found that wearing a brace improved single-leg balance, jumping tests and shuttle run time (Friden et al., 1989, Hals et al., 2000, Jerosch et al., 1997). When using tape, Jerosch et al. (1997) found improved performance in jump and side-step tests, Bicici, Karatas, and Baltaci (2012) found tape to improve performance in a hopping test and single limb hurdle test, whereas Delahunt, McGrath, Doran, and Coughlan (2010) and Bicici et al. (2012) found no improvement in postural stability, as measured by the Star Excursion Balance Test, with ankle taping.
One element that may contribute to any effect taping might have on performance for those with a history of ankle sprain or functional instability, is the perception of confidence and reassurance that may come with the ankle being taped. Previously, Sawkins, Refshauge, Kilbreath, and Raymond (2007) found that participants perceived ankle taping, even a small strip of “placebo” tape, to be reassuring and to afford some confidence in their performance of challenging tasks. Therefore it is possible that by imparting some confidence, ankle taping might reduce apprehension and improve performance.
Considering the relative lack of information on the effect of rigid tape on functional performance in ankle instability, and the potential role that increased confidence and reassurance might play, there were two aims for this study. The primary aim was to investigate the effect of rigid tape on functional performance in participants with functional ankle instability. The secondary aim was to examine the effect of rigid tape on self-efficacy and perceived stability, confidence and reassurance during functional tasks in participants with functional ankle instability. We hypothesised that compared with no tape, taping the ankle would improve functional performance and increase self-efficacy and perceptions of stability, confidence and reassurance. Within this manuscript, where the term tape or taping is used in isolation, the authors are referring to rigid tape unless otherwise stated.
Section snippets
Methods
Volunteers with functional ankle instability following ankle inversion sprain were recruited from among students and staff of the university and from metropolitan sporting clubs. To be included in the study, participants had to have sustained at least one ankle sprain from a sudden inversion trauma, at least one month prior, which resulted in pain and swelling over the lateral ligament and limping, and have at least moderate functional ankle instability, defined as a score of <25 on the
Results
Twenty-five participants (13 males and 12 females, 22.4 ± 4.8 years, 173 ± 9 cm, 70 ± 14 kg) were recruited for this study. All participants were active in a sport. Eight participants had a history of unilateral sprain and 17 had a history of bilateral sprain. All participants had sprained one ankle at least twice. The average number of sprains on the tested ankle was 6.2 ± 3.3.
Application of tape to the ankle did not affect performance in any of the functional tests except for the stair
Discussion
The application of ankle tape did not impair performance of participants with functional ankle instability in the activities we tested. In fact, stair descent times decreased with the application of tape, demonstrating an improvement in performance when the ankle was supported. This finding is central to rehabilitation, particularly for athletes, because the use of taping is so widespread, and there is some belief among the athletic community that taping impairs performance of lower extremity
Conflict of interest
None declared.
Ethical approval
This study was approved by The University of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee.
Funding
None declared.
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Present address: The Sports Clinic, Cnr Western Ave & Physics Road, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.