Comparative analysis of taping methods for chronic ankle instability: Impacts on ankle stability, range of motion, cost, and application time.

BACKGROUND

Despite the common use of ankle taping as a conservative treatment for chronic ankle instability (CAI), its effects on mechanical instability remain unquantified. This study aimed to use a capacitance-type strain sensor to quantitatively evaluate changes in mechanical instability resulting from several taping methods.

METHODS

This crossover study analyzed 30 ankles of individuals with CAI under three taping conditions: athletic taping (AT), ankle kinesio taping (aKT), and lower leg-to-ankle kinesio taping (lKT). The anterior drawer distance (ADD) and ankle range of motion (ROM) were measured before and after each taping method. Participants rated their subjective stability and discomfort. Taping time and cost were also recorded. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

All taping methods significantly reduced the ADD (P < 0.001). AT demonstrated the greatest reduction in ADD and also restricted ankle ROM in all directions compared with both kinesio taping methods (P < 0.001). Inversion was restricted with all taping methods (P < 0.001 to P = 0.016), with lKT providing greater restriction than aKT (P = 0.048). Subjective stability did not significantly differ between the taping methods (P = 0.077). Taping application time was significantly shorter for AT (P < 0.001), while cost was highest for aKT (P = 0.009 to 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS

In individuals with CAI, AT provided the greatest improvement in mechanical stability and simultaneously imposed greater restrictions on ankle ROM. Among the KT methods, lKT provided greater inversion restriction than aKT. These findings emphasize the importance of carefully selecting taping methods based on the specific needs of each case.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, prospective crossover study.