An Exploratory Study on the Acute Effects of Proprioceptive Exercise and/or Neuromuscular Taping on Balance Performance

Abstract

Background: This study aimed at investigating the acute effects of combined EXERCISE and TAPING in comparison to isolated proprioceptive exercise (EXERCISE) and ankle neuromuscular taping (TAPING) on one - leg stability performance in rugby players. Methods: Stability tests, performed on a stabilometric platform, were assessed for stability before and after above interventions. Performed stability tests were one - leg static stance (dominant leg and non - dominant leg) each with eyes open and eyes closed. The assessed dependent variables were: centre of pressure (CoP) path length; CoP speed; medio - lateral, and anterior - posterior sway. Sixteen male rugby players (27.3 ± 3.3 years; 177.3 ± 7.3 cm; 88.8 ± 15.2 kg) from a non - professional rugby team were tested in all above conditions, according to a cross - over study design. Results: Most of investigated variables improved following EXERCISE + TAPING (CoP path length -18.2/ -15.6%, CoP speed -22.8/-17.7%, and anterior-posterior sway -21.0/ -16.3%), in comparison with the other two protocols. EXERCISE + TAPING improved the stability control by combining the effects of both proprioceptive exercise and neuromuscular taping. Conclusions: Such findings could suggest the benefits of planning long - term strategies using EXERCISE + TAPING protocols for improving the functional stability and for preventing re - occuring injuries.