[Overuse syndrome in ballet: study of the effect of a tape bandage of the upper ankle joint with motion analysis].

In six ballet dancers with overuse syndromes of the foot a study on the effect of taping on stabilisation, proprioception and muscular activity was performed. By using synchronous surface electromyography and 3-dimensional motion analysis three standard ballet positions without and with applied tape were performed. Muscular activities of pronator muscles (peroneus longus) and supinator muscles (tibialis posterior) were recorded. EMG measurements showed significant differences between patients with stable or unstable ankles and painful or pain-free feet. Applying tape led to significant changes of muscle activities in height and antagonist reflex patterns. These changes were highest in dancers with unstable ankle joints and metatarsalgia.