Effect of Kinesio® Taping on Measurements of Balance in Subjects With Chronic Ankle Instability: a Randomized Clinical Trial

Participants were randomly distributed (using the QuickCalcs application from GraphPad Software)a into two groups: an experimental group in which was applied KT, and a control group in which was applied a placebo tape. All outcomes in both groups were assessed by an assessor blinded to the subject´s allocation. Individuals were also blinded to the allocation group. Balance was assessed using the SOT under three conditions: (1) without taping; (2) immediately following application; (3) following 7 days of use.

Computerized dynamic posturography is used to measure the balance. Subjects had to maintain their COG stable in 3 consecutive series of 20s duration for each of the 6 conditions in the test. In the first 3 conditions, the platform remained fixed. Condition 1 was conducted with open eyes, condition 2 with closed eyes and condition 3 with a mobile visual environment referenced to postural oscillations. Conditions 4, 5 and 6 repeated the visual conditions of the first 3 tests and added platform movement referenced to the anteroposterior oscillation of the subject, with the ankle-foot angle remaining constant, thus annulling proprioceptive sensory input.

The system utilizes force-plate technology (two 23 × 46 cm footplates) to determine the location of the COG within predefined 75% limits of stability while adjusting for an individual subject's height (COG = 0.55 × height). For each test, the software provides measures of postural sway and the ability to maintain the COG within a predefined target area resulting in partial scores for each condition and an overall balance score (composite SOT score, COMP) (%). The theoretical maximum displacement a normal subject may sway without fall is assumed to be 12.5 degrees (8.25 degrees anterior, 4.25 degrees posterior). The equilibrium score = 12.5 - Ɵ (maximum - minimum)/12.5 × 100%, where Ɵ is the maximum anteroposterior COG sway angle recorded in each trial. Values close to 100% indicated minimum balancing. Test was scored with a value of 0 when patients needed help or took a step to maintain balance.

SOT condition 2 is the best trial in order to assess the influence of KT on proprioceptive system in subjects without vestibular deficits. As primaries outcome measures, the composite SOT score (COMP) and the composite SOT strategy (STR), were chosen. The partial score for SOT condition 2 (SOT 2) and its strategy (STR 2) were considered as secondary outcomes measures. SOT condition 2 is carried out with closed eyes. Therefore, balance under this condition is controlled mainly by the proprioceptive system, in which, according several authors, KT could have an effect. Under these All subjects were initially familiarized with the CDP before undergoing. Multiple baseline measures of the SOT were administrated in order to document change due to tape application and to avoid the learning effect.26 It has been suggested a short-term adaption that reduces the postural sway by either increasing the stiffness in the ankles or through reweighting of sensory information.