The immediate effects of ankle balance taping with kinesiology tape on ankle active range of motion and performance in the Balance Error Scoring System.

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the changes in ankle active range of motion (AROM) and performance on the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) in cases in which no tape, placebo taping or ankle balance taping (ABT) with kinesiology tape was used.

DESIGN

Randomized cross-over trial.

SETTING

University laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS

Fifteen physically active individuals (7 men, 8 women).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Postural control was assessed based on performances on the BESS. Active ankle flexibility was assessed by measuring the ankle AROM of both ankles under each taping condition in a random order at 1-week intervals.

RESULTS

The ankle AROM among the taping conditions were not significantly different. There were no significant differences in the error scores of single-leg and tandem stances on a firm surface among the taping conditions. Compared to those obtained in the absence of taping, the error scores of the single-leg and tandem stances on a foam surface were significantly lower with ABT, but they did not significantly differ from the placebo taping scores.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that ABT with kinesiology tape immediately improved postural control on unstable surfaces without changes in ankle AROM.