The effects of kinesiology tape on static and dynamic stability in individuals with chronic ankle instability

Abstract

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a condition characterized by recurrent ankle sprains and sensations of instability. It may affect sporting performance by impairing proprioception and balance, and causing muscle weakness. Conservative treatments have been employed to improve balance and prevent recurrent injuries. Recently, kinesiology tape (KT) has emerged, claiming to improve muscle function and balance. Several studies demonstrated conflicting results regarding its effects on balance. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the effects of KT on static and dynamic balance in those with CAI. Participants were screened using the Identification of Functional Ankle Instability (IdFAI) questionnaire to determine eligibility, and randomly assigned to intervention (KT) and control (no intervention) groups. Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) and Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) were used to measure static and dynamic balance during two sessions, 48 hours apart. 22 participants were recruited (9 males and 13 females, age: 23.3±0.3 years). Pretest scores for BESS and SEBT were not statistically significantly different between groups (p>.05). KT application elicited statistically significant median improvements in the medial (T=40, z=-2.073, p=.038) and posteromedial (T=61, z=-2.49, p=.013) directions for SEBT, and reductions in foam surface (T=49.5, z=-2.25, p=.024) and total (T=51.5, z=-2.45, p=.014) error scores for BESS. Keywords: Kinesiology tape, chronic ankle instability, static balance, dynamic balance