Effect of Ankle Taping and Bandaging on Balance and Proprioception Among Healthy Volunteers

Participants

Seventy-four healthy subjects participated in this study (37 male and 37 female). Healthy subjects were selected because ankle injuries frequently occur during normal locomotion; and most people, not only athletes, experience an ankle injury at least once during their entire life.25,27

Before starting this study power test was performed to determine the number of participants. Participant's age range was 18 - 30 years old and participants were recruited from university population, Participants were divided randomly into two groups (Taping group n=37) and (Bandaging group n=37. Participant were excluded if he/she reports (a) previous hip/pelvis, knee, ankle, or foot surgery within the past year; (b) lower extremity amputation; (c) injury to the lower extremities six months; (d) known balance impairment due to neurological disorder, vestibular disorder, medication use, or other; (f) pregnancy; or (g) concussion within the previous three months. Standard clinical stability testing of the ankle ligamentous structures was performed to rule out anterior and lateral talocrural joint instability and lower extremity injuries during the previous 6 months. Each volunteer signed an informed consent form before participation. This study was approved by Dokuz E|ylul university ethics committee.

Procedures Leg length was measured (right and left leg) while participant lying supine, from the anterior superior iliac spine to the inferior border of the ipsilateral medial malleoli by using standard measure tape. The dominant leg was determined according to Vauhnik. & ark. modified version. The limb that was used in at least 2 of the 3 following activities: (1). Kicking a ball, (2). Drawing a diamond figure on the ground and (3).using his leg and step over a spider toy, was considered as the dominant leg.30

Ankle taping Procedures Zinc oxide tape has been was used, its hard - preventive tap. The taping procedure consists of three separate steps: The first step involved the application of the anchor tape, which achieved by applying the tape circumferentially just above the malleolar level at the lower end of the shank. The second step involved the application of the stirrup. During this step, the foot was held in neutral, and the tape applied to pass from the medial side of the ankle, under the foot just over the heel area (posterior one-third of the foot) and up along the lateral side of the ankle. The second step was repeated to apply the second stirrup. Both ends of the stirrups were firmly attached to the anchor tape applied during the first step and this attachment was reinforced with a locking tape during the third and final step by once again applying the tape circumferentially just above the malleolar level at the lower end of the shank. The taping was applied by a physical therapist according to the health association requirements.23