Add-on effect of kinesiotape in patients with acute lateral ankle sprain: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Evidence for the add-on effect of kinesiotape (KT) with acupuncture for treating ankle sprains remains insufficient. We assessed the add-on effect of KT on ankle sprains by comparing acupuncture combined with KT (AcuKT) with acupuncture alone in patients with acute lateral ankle sprain (ALAS). Methods: This study was a multicenter, randomized controlled clinical trial that included a per-protocol analysis of the add-on effect of KT on ALAS. The randomization was software based and only the assessors were blinded. Sixty participants (20 each from three centers) with grade I or II ALAS were randomly assigned to acupuncture (n = 30) or AcuKT (n = 30) groups. Both groups received acupuncture treatment once daily, 5 days per week for 1 week. The AcuKT group received additional KT treatment. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) were obtained, and edema measurements were performed at baseline (week 0), at the end of the intervention (week 1), and at 4 weeks after intervention (week 5). The European Quality of Life Five Dimension-Five Level Scale (EQ-5D-5 L) measurements were conducted at week 0, week 1, week 5, and week 26 after the intervention. The number of recurrent ankle sprains was determined at 4, 8, 12 and 26 weeks after the intervention.Results: Fifty-six patients with ALAS completed the trial (AcuKT group, n = 27; acupuncture group, n = 29). There were significant changes in visual analog scale score (AcuKT, P < 0.001; acupuncture, P < 0.001), the FAOS (AcuKT, P < 0.001; acupuncture, P < 0.001), and EQ-5D-5 L measurements (AcuKT, P < 0.001; acupuncture, P < 0.001) within both groups. There were no significant differences between groups in terms of any outcome or in a subanalysis based on symptom severity. Conclusions:These results indicate that AcuKT did not show a positive add-on effect of KT with acupuncture in terms of pain reduction, edema, recovery of function, activities of daily living, quality of life or relapse of ALAS.

Kinesio taping does not improve ankle functional or performance in people with or without ankle injuries: Systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Thirteen studies investigated the effects of Kinesio taping on function in four populations. 55,66,71,87,101 –109 No meta-analysis was carried out.…”

“…- People after Ankle Sprain : One high-quality study found that the association between Kinesio taping and acupuncture may improve the total score of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score compared to acupuncture alone, with no effect for the specific subscales of function everyday life and, features sports/leisure. 109 Additionally, two low-quality studies found that Kinesio taping may be better than usual bandages when function is measured with the Karlsson scoring scale 104 and Kinesio taping may improve gait performance when compared to a sham technique. 105 One low-quality study found no difference between Kinesio taping and rigid tape for performance in six distinct agility tests 108 (Supplementary Material 4).…”

Integrated Rehabilitation Approach Utilizing Swiss Ball Training, Mulligan Taping, and Mobilization With Movement for Simultaneous Management of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction and Lateral Ankle Sprain in a Badminton Athlete: A Case Study

“…Shin et al conducted a comparative study between the efficacy of acupuncture alone and acupuncture combined with kinesiotape (AcuKT) in participants with acute lateral ankle sprains. The findings suggested that the addition of kinesiotape to acupuncture did not yield a positive add-on effect in terms of pain reduction, edema, functional recovery, daily activities, quality of life, or prevention of recurrent ankle sprains [ 13 ]. Marrón-Gómez et al, in their randomized controlled trial involving 52 participants with chronic ankle instability, stated that both mobilization with movement and talocrural manipulation (high velocity and low amplitude) significantly improved ankle dorsiflexion over 48 hours when compared to a placebo group.…”

The Effect of Kinesio Taping on Balance and Dynamic Stability in College-Age Recreational Runners with Ankle Instability

“…Although taping of the ankle has been studied in many aspects [ 15 , 16 , 20 , 34 ], RRs have received little interest from researchers. Stocco et al [ 35 ] examined the effectiveness of KT applied with progressive tension on knee muscle strength in runners.…”