Effects of Neuromuscular Training With K-tape on Pain, Range of Motion and Balance in Footballer With Ankle Sprain

Ankle sprains are prevalent injuries among footballers, often leading to pain, reduced range of motion, and compromised balance. While conventional closed-chain exercises are commonly employed in rehabilitation, this study addresses the potential benefits of neuromuscular training with K-Tape. The rationale lies in the understanding that precise interventions targeting neuromuscular control may offer additional therapeutic advantages. By exploring the effects of such an intervention, this research seeks to contribute insights into optimizing rehabilitation strategies for footballers recovering from ankle sprains, aiming to enhance both short-term recovery outcomes and long-term athletic performance.

This randomized controlled trial investigates the therapeutic efficacy of neuromuscular training with K-Tape in addressing pain, range of motion (ROM), and balance in footballers with grade I and II ankle sprains. Conducted at the Pakistan Sports Board in Lahore over a six-month period from March to August 2023, the study enrolled 30 male participants aged 18-30, actively engaged in sports for a minimum of one year, with weekly training durations ranging from 15 to 20 hours. Participants were divided into two groups: Group A (Control) received closed-chain exercises, while Group B (Experimental) underwent neuromuscular training with K-Tape.

Data collection utilized comprehensive tools, including the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain assessment, the Star Excursion Balance Test for dynamic balance evaluation, the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM)-Sport Subscale to gauge functional abilities, and a goniometer for measuring range of motion. Both groups underwent three treatment sessions per week for four weeks. Group A adhered to conventional closed-chain exercises, while Group B received the experimental intervention of neuromuscular training with K-Tape.

The collected data will undergo rigorous analysis using SPSS version 25 to discern the comparative effectiveness of closed-chain exercises and neuromuscular training with K-Tape on the specified outcome measures. The study's findings are expected to provide valuable insights into potential rehabilitation strategies for footballers with ankle sprains, contributing to the advancement of sports medicine and guiding future interventions in optimizing the recovery process.