Effect of ankle taping and bandaging on balance and proprioception among healthy volunteers

Abstract

Ankle sprains are one of the most frequent injuries between athletes. After an ankle injury, 72% of patients will experience some degree of functional impairment (proprioception, ankle stability, and balance), which leads to changes in sporting and occupational activities. In the literature, there is no enough information about how bandaging and taping can affect the ankle sprain treatment and rehabilitation process. Seventy-four healthy participants, the age range was 18–30 years old participated in this study. The participants were divided into two groups (taping, and bandaging groups). Proprioception and balance have been measured four times (before using tap, 20 min after using tap, 24 h after using tap, and after removing the tap). In both groups (bandaging group and taping group), proprioception and balance significantly increased immediately after using tape and bandage, after 24 h of using tape and bandage, and after 48 h using tape and bandage when compared to the baseline measurements. There were no significant differences in proprioception and balance between groups. Ankle tape and bandage can significantly improve balance and proprioception in the uninjured ankle during the entire interval of their use.