Immediate effect of walking with talus-stabilizing taping on ankle kinematics in subjects with limited ankle dorsiflexion.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of walking with talus-stabilizing taping (TST) on ankle dorsiflexion (DF) and heel-off time in the stance phase of gait and ankle DF passive range of motion (PROM).

DESIGN

Pre- and post-intervention study.

SETTING

University motion analysis laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS

Ten subjects participated in this study. Sixteen ankles with limited ankle DF PROM were tested.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Ankle DF PROM was measured using a goniometer, and maximum ankle DF before heel-off and time to heel-off in the stance phase of gait were measured using a 3D motion analysis system before and after walking with TST. Data were analyzed using a paired t-test.

RESULTS

Ankle maximum DF before heel-off (p = 0.001), time to heel-off during the stance phase of gait (p = 0.005), and ankle DF PROM (p < 0.001) were significantly increased post-intervention compared with pre-intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Walking with TST is an effective self-exercise for improving ankle kinematics during gait and increasing ankle DF PROM in individuals with limited ankle DF PROM.