Abstract
ObjectiveTo identify, evaluate and synthesise evidence on the effect of kinesiotape applied to the lateral aspect of the ankle, through a systematic review of quantitative studies.Data SourcesA search for quantitative studies was undertaken using key terms of “kinesiotape” and “ankle” in seven electronic databases, using the maximum date ranges. Databases included: the Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Medline, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science.Study SelectionDatabase hits were evaluated against explicit inclusion criteria. From 107 database hits, 8 quantitative studies were included.Data ExtractionTwo independent reviewers appraised the methodological rigour of the studies using the McMaster Critical Review Form for Quantitative Studies. Data were extracted on participant characteristics, kinesiotape parameters, comparison interventions, outcome measures and findings.Data SynthesesMost studies (n=7) had good to very good methodological rigour. Meta-analysis was not possible due to heterogeneity in participants, interventions and outcome measures. No adverse events were reported. Kinesiotape may produce different effects in healthy and injured ankles. In healthy ankles, kinesiotape may increase postural control, whereas in injured ankles it may improve proprioception, plantarflexor endurance and the performance of activities. These trends were identified from a small body of evidence including 276 participants.ConclusionsIt is recommended that kinesiotape may be used in clinical practice to prevent lateral ankle injuries (through its effects on postural control) and manage lateral ankle injuries due to its positive effects on proprioception, muscle endurance and activity performance. It appears that kinesiotape may not provide sufficient mechanical support to improve postural control in unstable ankles. Adverse events associated with kinseiotape are unlikely.
Highlights
The ankle is among the most frequently injured joints during athletic activity, accounting for approximately 30% of all sports related injuries [1,2]
It is recommended that kinesiotape may be used in clinical practice to prevent lateral ankle injuries and manage lateral ankle injuries due to its positive effects on proprioception, muscle endurance and activity performance
People who participate in court games, team sports, contact sports, indoor sports and jumping sports are at the greatest risk of injury [1,4], and females, children and adolescents report a higher incidence of lateral ankle sprains compared with males and adults [5]
Summary
The ankle is among the most frequently injured joints during athletic activity, accounting for approximately 30% of all sports related injuries [1,2]. The most frequent ankle injury is a ligament sprain with up to 85% involving the lateral ligament complex [3]. This occurs from an inversion, supination and plantar flexion mechanism of injury [3]. People who participate in court games, team sports, contact sports, indoor sports and jumping sports are at the greatest risk of injury [1,4], and females, children and adolescents report a higher incidence of lateral ankle sprains compared with males and adults [5]. While recovery from an ankle sprain is often rapid [6], appropriate management is imperative to reduce the risk of recurrent injury and the development of chronic ankle instability (CAI) [7,8,9]. CAI can lead to reduced physical activity due to persistent ankle pain, swelling, crepitus, stiffness, weakness, and instability [10], as well as the development of post-traumatic ankle osteoarthritis [2,11,12]
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