The effect of taping on the proprioception of the ankle in a non-weight bearing position, amongst injured athletes

BackgroundIt is hypothesized that the application of adhesive tape prevents further sprains by enhancing proprioceptive acuity via the activation of the skin proprioceptive receptors of the surrounding area.ObjectivesTo investigate the effects of taping on the proprioception of the ankle amongst injured athletes, when tested in a non-weight bearing position.MethodsA pretest–posttest, quasi-experimental, same-subject design was applied. Twenty athletes, who had suffered at least one unilateral Grade I or Grade II ankle inversion sprain in the past volunteered to participate in the study. The Angle-reproduction test in two movement planes (inversion and plantar flexion) and four target angles (10° and 30° of plantar flexion, and 5° and 20° of inversion) was applied to all subjects under two conditions; without tape and with the application of the basket-weave heel lock taping technique. For the needs of the test, the Penny & Giles twin axis XM 180 goniometer and torsiometer was used.ResultsThe t-tests yielded statistically significant differences between taped and untaped conditions at each target angle (plantar flexion 10°: p = 0.014, plantar flexion 30°: p = 0.034, inversion 5°: p = 0.009, inversion 20°: p = 0.008).ConclusionsAdhesive taping seems to improve the ankle position awareness and thus the proprioceptive capability of the ankle in a non-weight bearing position. Further research, in the mode of a prospective matched controlled study, should explore the long-term effect of ankle taping in athletes involved in high contact sports.