Ankle Kinesio Taping Research Articles

ACUTE EFFECT OF ANKLE DYNAMIC TAPING AND KINESIO TAPING ON BALANCE AND LOWER EXTREMITY FUNCTIONAL PERFORMANCE IN HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS

Objective: The ankle-foot complex is integral to maintaining balance as it gathers proprioceptive data. Dynamic taping (DT) and Kinesio taping (KT) are special elastic therapeutic tape applied to the skin. This study aims to investigate the acute effect (2 hours) of DT and KT on dynamic balance and functional performance in healthy individuals. Method: A total of 15 adults (7 males and 8 females) were included in the study. Participants underwent testing under three conditions (No taping, DT, and KT). Balance was assessed with Y Balance Test, while functional performance was evaluated with Single Hop Test, Triple Hop Test, Cross Over Hop Test, and 6 Meter Timed Hop Test. Results: There was a significant difference in Y balance posteromedial test between three conditions (p0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that ankle KT enhances dynamic balance in healthy individuals.

Effects of ankle Kinesio taping on knee and ankle joint biomechanics during unanticipated jumps in collegiate athletes.

Most biomechanical research on the application of Kinesio taping (KT) to the ankle joint focused on testing anticipated movements. However, ankle sprains frequently occur in real life in unanticipated situations, where individuals are unprepared and face sudden external stimuli. This situation is completely different from the anticipated situation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of ankle KT application on the kinematic and kinetic characteristics of the knee and ankle joints during unanticipated jump tasks in collegiate athletes. Eighteen healthy collegiate athletes experienced three taping conditions in a randomized order: no taping (NT), placebo taping (PT), and KT, and performed unanticipated jump tasks. A 9-camera infrared high-speed motion capture system was employed to collect knee and ankle kinematic data, and a 3-dimensional force plate was utilized to collect knee and ankle kinetic data during the tasks. During the right jumps, KT significantly increased peak knee flexion angle (P = 0.031) compared to NT and significantly decreased peak vertical ground reaction force (P < 0.001, P = 0.001) compared to NT and PT. During the left jumps, KT significantly reduced peak ankle inversion angle (P = 0.022, P < 0.001) and peak ankle inversion moment (P = 0.002, P = 0.001) compared to NT and PT. During unanticipated jump maneuvers, KT reduced peak ankle inversion angle, peak vertical ground reaction force, and peak ankle inversion moment and increased peak knee flexion angle in collegiate athletes.

인라인스케이트 동호인 선수의 교정 인솔 착용과 발목 테이핑 처치가 동적 균형 능력 및 피로도에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of orthodontic insole treatment and ankle Kinesio taping treatment on dynamic balance ability and fatigue of inline skaters. The subjects of the study were 20 male inline skaters (22.6±2.2 yrs) living in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do, classified into orthodontic insole treatment (OI treatment), ankle KT treatment (KT treatment), and general insole treatment (NI treatment) (cross-over design). Balance ability and physical fitness factors were measured according to the physical fitness measurement and evaluation manual of the Korea Institute of Sport Science (2007). Fatigue was measured by a wingate anaerobic test using a stationary bicycle (Ergomedic 894E, Sweden), and lactate was obtained by finger blood samples (10 μl) at rest, immediately after exercise, and at 5, 10, and 15 minutes after fatigue was induced. was analyzed. As a result of comparing dynamic balance ability, KT treatment (18.7±3.2 sec) and OI treatment (24.1±3.0 sec) were higher than NI treatment (12.9±3.1 sec), and OI treatment was higher than KT treatment (p＜.05). However, there was no difference in physical fitness factors and fatigue between the three treatments. In conclusion, it is considered that the wearing of corrective insoles for inline skaters can have a positive effect on dynamic balance ability within a short period of time as the effect of ankle Kinesio taping.

Effect of kinesiotaping on subtalar evertor and invertor muscle strength in healthy individuals

IntroductionTo date, no study examined the effect of ankle kinesiotaping on eccentric versus concentric subtalar evertor and invertor strength nor compared its effect between evertors and invertors. This study examined the effect of kinesiotaping on peak subtalar evertor and invertor eccentric and concentric torques assessed at 120º/sec. Eccentric versus concentric torque in both muscle groups as well as evertor versus invertor torque at both modes of muscle contraction were examined.MethodsA group of 30 healthy individuals (24 males and 6 females) with mean age 21 ± 2.73 years, height 1.73 ± 0.08 m, and weight 75 ± 6.20 kg were tested. They were randomly tested with kinesiotape use and without. The kinesiotape was applied on the tibialis anterior, tibialis posterior, peroneus longus and peroneus brevis muscles. The peak torques were assessed using a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer.Results2×2×2 Repeated Measure ANOVA revealed that the peak torque was significantly higher with kinesiotape use compared with no tape for both eccentric and concentric evertors, and eccentric invertors (p ≤ 0.009). The eccentric peak torque was significantly higher than the concentric for both evertors and invertors with kinesiotape use, and evertors with no tape (p ≤ 0.001). Finally, the invertor concentric torque was significantly higher than the evertor torque with no tape use (p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionsAnkle kinesiotaping improves both evertor and invertor torques with the eccentric torque being significantly improved compared with the concentric. No significant effect on evertors versus invertors was found. This suggests kinesiotape use for managing musculoskeletal disorders caused by impaired subtalar muscle strength as lateral ankle sprains.

Is Ankle Kinesio Taping Effective to Immediately Change Balance, Range of Motion, and Muscle Strength in Healthy Individuals? A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial.

BackgroundThe ankle–foot complex plays a key role in maintaining balance because it collects proprioceptive data. Kinesio taping (KT) is a rehabilitative method performed by the cutaneous application of a special elastic tape. The mechanical correction technique of KT was suggested to reposition the joints and alter balance parameters. The aim was to reveal the pure effects of ankle KT on balance, range of motion (ROM), and muscle strength in healthy individuals.MethodsForty healthy students were recruited for this randomized, sham-controlled study at a local university. Participants were divided into two groups—experimental and sham application groups. The primary outcome measures were balance parameters. Athlete Single Leg (ASL), Limits of Stability (LoS), and Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance (CTSIB) were used to measure single-leg dynamic balance, dynamic postural control, and sensory interaction of balance, respectively. Dorsiflexion ROM and dorsiflexor muscle strength were the secondary outcomes.ResultsThe ASL score showed significant improvement only in the experimental KT group (P=0.02); however, the LoS score increased significantly in both groups (P<0.05). CTSIB scores, dorsiflexion ROM, and dorsiflexor muscle strength for both ankles did not change in any of the groups after intervention (P>0.05). Moreover, there was no superiority of one intervention over the other in improving any of the variables (P>0.05).ConclusionThe mechanical correction technique of KT can be useful in providing immediate improvement in single-leg dynamic balance in healthy individuals. However, it may not be effective to significantly change the sensory interaction of balance, dorsiflexion ROM, and muscle strength.

Effects of Ankle Kinesio Taping on Balance Control Ability of Adults, Stroke Patients, and Musculoskeletal Patient: A Systematic Review

Effects of Ankle Kinesio Taping on Balance Control Ability of Adults, Stroke Patients, and Musculoskeletal Patient: A Systematic Review

The effects of ankle Kinesiotaping on postural control in healthy taekwondo athletes

Background and Study Aim. Although Kinesiotape is widely used by athletes, information about its effect is unclear. Its effect on postural control might directly affect an athlete's performance. In this study, it is aimed to find out whether ankle Kinesiotaping in taekwondo athletes affects postural control.&#x0D; Material and Methods. Twenty-four healthy university students – taekwondo athletes (12 females, 12 males) were included in the study voluntarily (Age 21.00 ± 1.53 years; height 173.33 ± 7.29 cm; body weight 63.41 ± 9.41 kg). Kinesiotape was carried out to the dominant ankle of the participants. Kinesiotape was applied supportively to peroneus longus, peroneus brevis, and tibiofibular ligament. All participants were taken to postural control measurements twice with Kinesiotape (KT) and without KT. Postural control was measured using the Biodex Balance System with eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC). Overall Stability Index (OSI), anterior-posterior sway (AP) and medio-lateral sway (ML) scores were used in the evaluation of postural control. Wilcoxon test was used to compare balance scores under EO condition, and the t-test was used for dependent groups to compare balance scores under EC condition.&#x0D; Results. In EO condition, no significant difference was found between OSI, AP, and ML scores of the taekwondo athletes with KT and without KT (p &gt; 0.05). In EC condition, no significant difference was found between OSI, AP, and ML scores of male taekwondo athletes with KT and without KT (p &gt; 0.05). It was found that Kinesiotape in EC condition decreased OSI and AP sway scores in female taekwondo athletes (p &lt; 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusions. It was determined that ankle Kinesiotaping of taekwondo athletes did not change the postural balance in EO condition. In EC condition it did not change the postural sway of male taekwondo athletes, but it improved the postural control performances of female taekwondo athletes.

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Kinesio Taping Improves Range of Motion of Ankle Dorsiflexion and Balance Ability in Chronic Stroke Patients.

This study aimed to determine the effect of a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) pattern Kinesio taping (KT) application on the ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (DF-ROM) and balance ability in patients with chronic stroke. This crossover study included 18 patients with stroke. The subjects were randomly assigned to three interventions: barefoot, ankle KT (A-KT), and PNF-KT. The A-KT was applied to the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles, and subtalar eversion. The PNF-KT was applied on the extensor hallucis, extensor digitorum, and TA muscles. DR-ROM was measured using the iSen™, a wearable sensor. Balance ability was assessed based on static balance, measured by the Biodex Balance System (BBS), and dynamic balance, measured by the timed up and go (TUG) test and dynamic gait index (DGI). Compared with the barefoot and A-KT interventions, PNF-KT showed significant improvements in the ankle DF-ROM and BBS scores, TUG, and DGI. PNF-KT, for functional muscle synergy, improved the ankle DF-ROM and balance ability in patients with chronic stroke. Therefore, the application of PNF-KT may be a feasible therapeutic method for improving ankle movement and balance in patients with chronic stroke. Additional research is recommended to identify the long-term effects of the PNF-KT.

Acute Effect of Ankle Kinesio™ Taping on Lower-Limb Biomechanics During Single-Legged Drop Landing.

Chronic ankle instability is documented to be followed by a recurrence of giving away episodes due to impairments in mechanical support. The application of ankle Kinesiotaping (KT) as a therapeutic intervention has been increasingly raised among athletes and physiotherapists. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of ankle KT on the lower-limb kinematics, kinetics, dynamic balance, and muscle activity of college athletes with chronic ankle instability. A crossover study design. Twenty-eight college athletes with chronic ankle sprain (11 females and 17 males, 23.46 [2.65]y, 175.36 [11.49]cm, 70.12 [14.11]kg) participated in this study. The participants executed 3 single-leg drop landings under nontaped and ankle Kinesio-taped conditions. Ankle, knee, and hip kinematics, kinetics, and dynamic balance status and the lateral gastrocnemius, medial gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, and peroneus longus muscle activity were recorded and analyzed. The application of ankle KT decreased ankle joint range of motion (P = .039) and angular velocities (P = .044) in the sagittal plane, ground reaction force rate of loading (P = .019), and mediolateral time to stability (P = .035). The lateral gastrocnemius (0.002) and peroneus longus (0.046) activity amplitudes also experienced a significant decrease after initial ground contact when the participants' ankles were taped, while the application of ankle KT resulted in an increase in the peroneus longus (0.014) activity amplitudes before initial ground contact. Ankle lateral supports provided by KT potentially decreases mechanical stresses applied to the lower limbs, aids in dynamic balance, and lowers calf muscle energy consumption; therefore, it could be offered as a suitable supportive means for acute usage in athletes with chronic ankle instability.

Does ankle Kinesio Taping® application improve static and dynamic balance in healthy trained semi-professional soccer male players? A single blinded randomized placebo controlled crossover study

Purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Kinesio Taping (KT) in healthy semi-professional soccer players in both static and dynamic balances thorough a single blinded randomized placebo controlled crossover study. Equipment and methods Fifteen healthy male soccer players from the same team (A.C. Fucecchio) were recruited on a voluntary basis and evaluated in mid-season. A force platform was used to record forces and centre of pressure (CoP) data. Twenty seconds one-legged stance test was used to analyse static balance. For dynamic balancing test, subjects performed maximal vertical jump with both legs, landing on dominant limb, trying to balance as quickly as possible. Tasks were evaluated using CoP derived data as sway area, displacements in anterior-posterior and medio-lateral directions, total path length. In addition, time-to-stabilisation and jump height were evaluated only for dynamic task. Participants completed proposed tasks in three different conditions: tape, no-tape and placebo conditions, whose sequence was selected using computer-generated randomization. No significant differences between testing conditions were founded for all parameters investigated (P > 0.05). KT was not effective in improving both static and dynamic balances, otherwise showing no significant difference when compared to no-tape and placebo conditions. This may suggest that KT should not be used when the aim is to improve balance in healthy players focusing on ankle injury prevention. L’objectif de ce travail était d’examiner les effets du Kinesio Taping (KT) sur les joueurs de football semi-professionnels en bonne santé sur l’équilibre statique et dynamique à travers une seule étude croisée randomisée contrôlée par placebo en aveugle. Quinze joueurs de football en bonne santé de la même équipe (A. Fucecchio) ont été recrutés sur une base volontaire et évalués en milieu de saison. Une plate-forme de force a été utilisée pour enregistrer les forces et les données du centre de pression. Le test d’équilibre monopodal a été utilisé pour évaluer l’équilibre statique. Pour le test d’équilibre dynamique, les sujets ont été invités à effectuer un saut vertical maximum avec les deux jambes, en se posant sur le membre dominant et en essayant de trouver l’équilibre le plus rapidement possible. Les tests effectués ont été évalués en analysant les données dérivées du mouvement du centre de pression. En particulier, la zone de confiance, les mouvements dans les directions antéro-postérieure et médio-latérale, la longueur totale du trajet ont été évalués. De plus, le temps requis pour la stabilisation et la hauteur de saut n’a été évalué que pour l’essai dynamique. Les participants ont terminé les tâches proposées dans trois conditions différentes: Kinesio Taping®, sans bande et placebo, dont la séquence a été sélectionnée à l’aide d’une randomisation générée par ordinateur. Aucune différence significative entre les conditions de test n’a été établie pour tous les paramètres étudiés (p > 0,05). Le KT n’a pas été efficace pour améliorer l’équilibre statique et dynamique, aucune différence significative n’ayant été constatée entre les différentes conditions. Cela peut suggérer que le KT ne devrait pas être utilisée lorsque l’objectif est d’améliorer l’équilibre chez les joueurs en bonne santé afin de prévenir les blessures à la cheville.

Efficacy of ankle kinesiotape on balance in children with spastic diplegia

BackgroundAdequate and efficient standing postural balance is key for functional walking and handling abilities in children with spastic diplegia. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of kinesiotape applied on ankle dorsiflexor muscles on balance in children with spastic diplegia. Thirty children with spastic diplegia of both genders participated in the study: 16 boys and 14 girls between 4 and 10 years old. They were divided randomly and equally into two groups: a control group, in which children received the standard physical therapy program for children with diplegia; and the study group, who received the same physical therapy program as in the control group but after kinesiotape application over the ankle dorsiflexor muscles. Both groups received the treatment program for 1 h, three times per week, for three successive months. Postural stability was assessed through evaluation of three stability index (anteroposterior, mediolateral, and overall) for all children by the Biodex Balance System before and after treatment.ResultsStatistical analysis of results before and after treatment was performed by mixed MANOVA to compare effects both within and between groups on stability indexes, and post hoc tests were carried out for subsequent multiple comparison. The level of significance for all statistical tests was set at p < 0.05. Before treatment, there was no significant difference in the stability index between both groups (p > 0.05). Comparison between both groups post-treatment revealed a significant decrease in the measured variables of the study group compared with that of the control group (p < 0.05).ConclusionAdding ankle kinesiotaping over dorsiflexor muscles in conjunction with a balance and gait training exercise program for children with diplegia can enhance postural stability and decrease sway. This study suggests that it should be added to the treatment program for children with diplegia.Trial registrationThis study was registered retroactively. Identifier: NCT04243928

Effect of Taping and Virtual Reality Combined Exercise on Static and Dynamic Balance With Functional Ankle Instability

Background: Ankle sprain is one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries in the sports population or during usual daily life activities. The sprain can cause functional ankle instability (FAI), and it is very important to treat FAI. However, the optimum intervention method for FAI has yet to be determined. Objects: This study investigated the impact that virtual reality (VR) training program on balance with ankle kinesio taping for FAI. Methods: Twenty-two people were selected for the study and randomly divided into the experimental (n = 11) and the control group (n = 11). The experimental group had attached kinesio taping on the ankle and then implemented a virtual reality exercise program for 30 minutes a day. Nintendo Wii Fit Plus was used for the VR intervention three times a week for four weeks. The control group performed only two measurements without intervention. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in overall, anterior-posterior (AP), medial-lateral (ML) index of the static balance, and significant differences in overall, AP, ML index of the dynamic balance when taping and VR exercise were applied at the same time (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in overall and ML index of static and dynamic balance compared with before and after assessment between the experimental and the control group, and found differences in AP index of static and dynamic balance (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Kinesio taping may not influence the balance of FAI as great as people expected. VR approach does not affect the static balance of FAI, but it influences dynamic balance in overall, AP, ML index. The authors suggest that VR-based exercises can be used as an additional concept in clinicians for FAI or as part of a home program because the exercises still have limitations.

The influence of Kinesio Taping of the ankle joint on stabilometric parameters in women aged 18-25 years

Introduction: The upright posture uniquely characteristic of humans is dependent upon many factors. Kinesio Taping is used to enhance ankle joint stability, but its effectiveness in relation to body stability in a standing position has not yet been verified in scientific research. Objectives: Assessment of the effect of ankle Kinesio Taping on stabilometric parameters in young, healthy women. Material and Methods: The study included 50 healthy women (mean age 21.12 ±1.83 years) who were randomly assigned to two groups: the taping group (group T) and control group (group C). In the taping group Kinesio Taping was applied according to the method used in ankle sprains (both inversion and eversion). The women performed the Romberg test four times with each trial lasting two minutes on an Alfa AC International East stabilometric platform: two tests without Kinesio taping intervention and two further tests with (group T) or without taping (group C). Results: Significant differences between the groups were observed in the following parameters: mean speed in the sagittal plane with eyes open; 0.06 cm/s (p=0.0002), mean speed in the frontal plane with eyes open; 0.07 cm/s (p=0.0001), total path length with eyes open; 5.78 cm (p=0.0001) and sway area with eyes open; 0.58 cm2 (p=0.0002) and in parameters: mean velocity in the sagittal plane with eyes closed; 0.10 cm/s (p=0.0004), mean velocity in the frontal plane with eyes closed; 0.11 cm/s (p=0.0004) and in total path length with eyes closed; 0.43 cm (p=0.0004). Conclusions: In young, healthy women who received Kinesio Taping, favourable changes in stabilometric parameters were found indicating better ankle stability than in the group without taping.

Ankle-knee coupling responses to ankle Kinesio™ taping during single-leg drop landings in collegiate athletes with chronic ankle instability.

Ankle Kinesio-taping (KT) is being globally used an intervention to provide the ankle joint complex with sufficient support against sudden excessive mechanical stress during various activities. However, its effects on proximal joints are unclear. This study investigated the impact of ankle KT on ankle-knee joint coupling in sagittal, frontal and transverse planes. Adopting a pretest post-test study design, 30 collegiate athletes with chronic ankle instability performed 3 single-leg drop landings in each non-taped and Kinesio-taped conditions and their movement kinematics were recorded using 6 optoelectronic cameras. The ankle angular velocities in sagittal (P=0.038, d=0.64) and transverse planes (P=0.001, d=0.95) decreased after KT application, while the knee internal rotation velocities increased (P=0.020, d=0.51). The coupling angles revealed that the ankle movement ratios significantly decreased in 3 planes in comparison with knee movement ratios. Outcomes of this study illustrated that application of ankle KT leaves the individuals with a stiffer ankle joint, which increases the mechanical stresses to this joint and decreases its stiffness in absorbing the applied shocks. Further, ankle KT application resulted in more knee internal rotation moments and may increase the risk of knee injuries during landing after a long-term usage in patients with instability ankle sprain.

Ankle Kinesio taping impacts on lower limbs biomechanics during countermovement jump among collegiate athletes with chronic ankle instability

Ankle Kinesio taping impacts on lower limbs biomechanics during countermovement jump among collegiate athletes with chronic ankle instability

The effect of ankle Kinesio™ taping on ankle joint biomechanics during unilateral balance status among collegiate athletes with chronic ankle sprain

ObjectivesTo determine the effects of ankle Kinesio-taping (KT) on postural sway, lower limb ROM, and muscle activity during a unilateral balance tasks. DesignCase control study design. SettingData were collected at the human movement analysis laboratory. Participants30 collegiate athletes with chronic ankle sprain (11 females and 19 males, 23.91 ± 2.58 years). Main outcome measureHip, knee and ankle joints ranges of motion (ROMs); postural sway area and velocities in both anteroposterior and mediolateral directions; and muscular activity amplitudes (% peak) of lateral and medial gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior and peroneus longus in a 20s single leg balance test in two non-taped (control) and KT (intervention) conditions. ResultsSignificant decrease observed in ankle lateral ROM (p = 0.048, d = 0.52), mediolateral postural sway velocity (p = 0.029, d = 1.25), and peroneus longus activity amplitudes (p = 0.042, d = 0.55) after KT application. ConclusionAcute application of KT among athletes with chronic ankle instability could provide lateral mechanical support to the ankle, potentially decreasing the velocity of frontal plane sway, and decreasing the magnitude of muscle activation. These data suggest that KT may be beneficial for improving static joint stability among individuals with chronic ankle sprain, and thus could be considered an option to allow safe return-to-activity.

Effect of Ankle Kinesio Taping on Unaffected Foot in Stand-to-Sit Position in Patients with Chronic Stroke

Objectives: The current study aimed at investigating the effect of applied Kinesio tape on the affected ankle on the amount of exerting force by the non-affected foot in patients with chronic stroke during the stand to sit task. Methods: The current quasi-experimental clinical trial was conducted on 26 patients with chronic stroke. The stand-to-sit task was performed in three positions (symmetric foot placement, and placing the unaffected foot ahead of the affected foot and the unaffected foot behind the affected one), and the vertical axis of the ground reaction force was recorded instantly by a force plate at three time points of 2, 5, and 8 seconds of the stand-to-sit task. Then, Appropriate taping was applied on subjects` affected ankles and all measurements were repeated. Results: At the time points of 2 and 5 seconds, the main effect of foot positions was significant (P = 0.002 and P < 0.0001, respectively); when the tested foot was placed behind, the main effect was significantly different from those of other positions (P = 0.018). However, the main and interactive effect of the tape was not significant (P > 0.05). At the second eight, no significant change was observed (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The current study findings showed that placing the unaffected foot behind the affected one led to more force and there was no significant difference between the forces with and without using the tape.

Immediate Effects of Kinesio Taping of Tibialis Anterior and Ankle Joint on Mobility and Balance Ability for Chronic Hemiparesis: Randomized Controlled Cross-Sectional Design

AbstractBackground Stroke patients with hemiparesis are generally described as being slow and suffering a balance disability.Objective The purpose of this cross-sectional single-blind study was to evaluate the immediate effects of Kinesio taping of tibialis anterior and quadriceps on the mobility and balance ability in individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke.Methods Thirty-three subjects participated in this study. Participants were divided into 3 groups: Ankle Kinesio taping (AKT) group, a placebo (PKT) group, and a control (NKT) group. The AKT group underwent Kinesio tapping of ankle joint and tibialis muscle, PKT group underwent placebo taping, and NKT group underwent no Kinesio taping. All participants were assessed before and after taping training using timed up and go test (TUG), timed up and down stairs test (TUDS), and balance ability.Results After taping training, the AKT group showed significant improvement in mobility and balance ability compared to the PKT group and NKT group (p &lt; 0.05). The results of this study confirmed that Kinesio taping was effective to the balance and mobility abilities of patients with chronic hemiparetic stroke.Conclusions This study suggested Kinesio taping as an effective intervention to increase the mobility and balance abilities of patients with chronic hemiparetic stroke. Therefore, this study are believed to provide the baseline information to effectively improve the balance and mobility abilities of patients with chronic hemiparetic stroke during the rehabilitation treatment in the future.

Designing a Clinical Trial to Determine the Effect of Conventional Physiotherapy Plus Ankle KinesioTaping® on Walking and Balance in Children with Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy: A Protocol for a Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction: This study is a protocol of a double-blind randomized clinical trial with the aim of determining the effect of ankle KinesioTape® in addition to the routine physiotherapy approach on walking and balance of children with cerebral palsy (CP) suffering from spastic diplegia. Materials and Methods: The present clinical trial was performed on 20 children who were randomly divided into the two groups of control and intervention. 4 weeks of routine physiotherapy program was carried out for all the participants in both groups. In the intervention group, the KinesioTape® was applied to the ankles of the patients for 4 weeks in addition to the routine treatment. After completing this course, a 6-week follow-up phase was conducted for both groups, in which both groups received routine physiotherapy treatment. The treatment program was repeated twice a week. The outcome measures included modified Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), and Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS). The normal distribution of the data was determined using the Shapiro-Wilks test. Paired-sample t-test and Wilcoxon nonparametric test were employed to analyze the data and check for changes before and after the treatment in each group. Additionally, the repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare between the two groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: KinesioTape® improves voluntary movement, coordination and balance, and functional independence in children with CP. According to the comprehensive search of literature, it seems that no study to date has examined the effect of ankle equinus corrective KinesioTaping® on walking and balance in children with spastic diplegia. The results of the study can be used to examine the effectiveness of the addition of ankle Kinesio Taping® to physiotherapy on the function and balance of these children.

Effects of talus stabilization taping versus ankle kinesio taping in patients with chronic stroke: a randomized controlled trial

Talus stabilization taping (TST) can be utilized to stabilize posteriorly glide of the talus and allows active ankle dorsiflexion movement during walking. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of ankle kinesio taping with those of TST on ankle dorsiflexion passive range of motion, static balance, the Timed Up and Go test, and the fall risk in patients with chronic stroke and limited ankle dorsiflexion. Participants were randomized into the kinesio taping (n=11) and TST groups (n=11). Both groups were applied the appropriate taping and were asked to walk on the treadmill for 10 min. The ankle dorsiflexion passive range of motion, static balance ability, Timed Up and Go test, and fall risk were assessed in all participants before and after the intervention. The TST group showed greater improvement than the ankle kinesio taping group in all outcomes measured (P<0.05). Furthermore, both groups had significantly decreased in the Timed Up and Go results (P<0.05). This study shows that TST improves functional ability of the ankles of patients with chronic stroke in comparison to the kinesio taping method.