Abstract
BackgroundEvidence for the add-on effect of kinesiotape (KT) with acupuncture for treating ankle sprains remains insufficient. We assessed the add-on effect of KT on ankle sprains by comparing acupuncture combined with KT (AcuKT) with acupuncture alone in patients with acute lateral ankle sprain (ALAS).MethodsThis study was a multicenter, randomized controlled clinical trial that included a per-protocol analysis of the add-on effect of KT on ALAS. The randomization was software based and only the assessors were blinded. Sixty participants (20 each from three centers) with grade I or II ALAS were randomly assigned to acupuncture (n = 30) or AcuKT (n = 30) groups. Both groups received acupuncture treatment once daily, 5 days per week for 1 week. The AcuKT group received additional KT treatment. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) were obtained, and edema measurements were performed at baseline (week 0), at the end of the intervention (week 1), and at 4 weeks after intervention (week 5). The European Quality of Life Five Dimension-Five Level Scale (EQ-5D-5 L) measurements were conducted at week 0, week 1, week 5, and week 26 after the intervention. The number of recurrent ankle sprains was determined at 4, 8, 12 and 26 weeks after the intervention.ResultsFifty-six patients with ALAS completed the trial (AcuKT group, n = 27; acupuncture group, n = 29). There were significant changes in visual analog scale score (AcuKT, P < 0.001; acupuncture, P < 0.001), the FAOS (AcuKT, P < 0.001; acupuncture, P < 0.001), and EQ-5D-5 L measurements (AcuKT, P < 0.001; acupuncture, P < 0.001) within both groups. There were no significant differences between groups in terms of any outcome or in a subanalysis based on symptom severity.ConclusionsThese results indicate that AcuKT did not show a positive add-on effect of KT with acupuncture in terms of pain reduction, edema, recovery of function, activities of daily living, quality of life or relapse of ALAS.Trial registrationClinical Research Information Service (cris.nih.go.kr), KCT0002257. Registered on 27 February 2017.
Highlights
Evidence for the add-on effect of kinesiotape (KT) with acupuncture for treating ankle sprains remains insufficient
Sixty patients were included in this study and were randomly assigned to an acupuncture group (n = 30) or an acupuncture combined with KT (AcuKT) group (n = 30)
Three patients did not complete the treatment in the AcuKT group, while one did not complete treatment in the acupuncture group
Summary
Evidence for the add-on effect of kinesiotape (KT) with acupuncture for treating ankle sprains remains insufficient. We assessed the add-on effect of KT on ankle sprains by comparing acupuncture combined with KT (AcuKT) with acupuncture alone in patients with acute lateral ankle sprain (ALAS). Acute ankle sprain is an acute injury to one or more ankle ligaments [1]. The most frequent ankle injury is ligament sprain, with up to 85% cases involving the lateral ligament complex [2]. Ankle sprains are commonly considered to be benign injuries that resolve quickly [3]; if not managed appropriately, patients may experience recurrent instability, chronic pain, osteochondral lesions of the talus, premature osteoarthritis and other significant long-term disabilities [4]. Management of acute ankle sprains typically involves rest, ice compression, elevation and functional rehabilitation. The ankle is normally immobilized for a few days, and the patient must use crutches to avoid weight bearing on the injured ankle [7]
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