The Immediate Effect of Ankle Balance Taping using Kinesiology Tape on the Weight-bearing Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion and the Dynamic Balance in Asymptomatic Subjects

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the immediate changes in the weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) and the dynamic balance in asymptomatic subjects using the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) after ankle balance taping (ABT) and placebo ABT with kinesiology tape METHODS: A total of 23 active participants (11 men, 12 women) volunteered for this study. Ankle flexibility was assessed using the weight-bearing lunge test, and dynamic balance was assessed using the modified SEBT. Participants were asked to respond to questions regarding their perception of stability, reassurance, and confidence when performing modified SEBT. RESULTS: The weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion ROM did not show a significant decrease after real ABT or placebo ABT compared to the ROM prior to ABT. The anterior, posterolateral, and posteromedial reach distances of SEBT did not increase significantly after real ABT or placebo ABT compared to the distances prior to ABT. However, the participants' perception of stability, reassurance, and confidence, when performing SEBT with real ABT, was increased compared to that during the control trial. CONCLUSION: This study showed that although real ABT did not immediately improve the reach distances in the 3 directions during modified SEBT, it improved the participants' perception of stability, reassurance, and confidence without decreasing weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion ROM.