Background: Talus taping may be an effective physiotherapeutic treatment for equinus (passive dorsiflexion range of motion <10°). However, the time-course effects of this intervention are unknown.Methods: Sixteen healthy participants (mean age 28.3±8 years) were recruited. Participants' ankles were randomly assigned to control and intervention conditions. Baseline measures of dorsiflexion range of motion were taken in both ankles using the weight-bearing lunge test. The intervention ankle had talus tape applied, which remained in place for 48 hours during normal functional activities. To determine the time-course effects, dorsiflexion range of motion was reassessed in the control and intervention ankles immediately following removal of the tape (at 48 hours) and again 5 days later, on day 7.Findings: Dorsiflexion range of motion in the taped intervention ankle increased significantly between the baseline and 48-hour measures. However, when reassessed at day 7, participants' 1 dorsiflexion ranges of motion had returned to baseline levels. There were no significant differences in the control ankle across all three measures.
Conclusions:Applying talus tape for 48 hours during normal functional activities results in immediate but not long-lasting changes in dorsiflexion range of motion.
KEY WORDSDorsiflexion range of motion, Equinus, Talus taping