Comparison of distal versus proximal-distal kinesio taping effects on gait initiation profile in athletes with functional ankle instability

Abstract

Objective. The objectives of this study were to investigate the impact of two application methods of kinesio taping on gait initiation (GI) profile of athletes with and without functional ankle instability (FAI): 1) distal (applied on the peroneus longus muscle), 2) proximal-distal (applied on gluteus medius and peroneus longus muscles). Methods. Experiment consisted of a test-retest study of the immediate-term effects of the two methods of kinesio taping in two separate weeks on GI profile in 15 athletes with FAI and 15 healthy athletes. Participants performed bare feet GI on a force plate which captured center of pressure (COP). The GI profile was separated into three phases (anticipatory, weight transfer, and locomotive) and two directions (anteroposterior, mediolateral). The averages of 3 trials were used for analyses. Multifactorial repeated measure ANOVA were used for comparison of the two application methods and both group of participants. Results. There weren't any significant result for factor effect and group effect for all of the 9 variables of the study (P > 0.05). Also, we did not observe any significant group by factor interaction effects (P > 0.05), indicating that each group respond to the interventions in a similar pattern. Conclusion. The distal or proximal-distal application of kinesio taping had no impact on GI profile of athletes with and without FAI. We concluded that it is better to assess the long-term effects of kinesio taping in the ore challenging environment and tasks.

Functional deficits in chronic mechanical ankle instability

“…This is comparable to the findings in earlier publications, where CAI had not yet been further divided into MAI vs. FAI [ 15 , 16 ]. This phenomenon of a more pronounced exorotated foot may be interpreted as a subconscious preventive adaptation leading to a broader mediolateral distribution of weight due to increased support surface which will help stabilizing the ankle joint during gait [ 14 , 18 , 21 ]. As a limitation, it needs to be respected that kinematic adaptations take place during treadmill walking as opposed to overground [ 43 ].…”

“…Several studies have also analyzed gait in patients suffering from chronic ankle instability [21,52]. In our analysis, we aimed to monitor whether mechanical insufficiency leads to subtle gait imbalances.…”

“…Furthermore, strengthening and increasing preactivation of the peroneus longus muscle have been shown to reduce ankle inversion during gait [ 14 , 18 ]. On the other hand, also mechanical stabilization like ankle orthoses, taping, or operative stabilization improve gait performance by reducing maximal ankle inversion [ 20 , 21 ], which can be attributed to the mechanical insufficiency which is destabilizing the joint during the ankle sprain mechanism itself [ 4 ]. Furthermore, the finding that functional performance also improves after mechanical stabilization like lateral ligament reconstruction or wearing an orthosis underlines the fact that the two etiologies are intertwined [ 20 , 22 ], which of the observed alterations can be attributed to mechanical and/or functional insufficiencies is the focus of ongoing research.…”

Kinesiotaping for the Treatment of Haematomas in Haemophiliacs: a Case Control Study

“…As soon as the painful symptoms are relieved, a rehabilitation program with isometric contractions can be undertaken, followed by concentric exercises based on a symptomatic approach (12). The effectiveness of physical therapy in the healing process of MH has recently been evaluated in ad hoc studies (13)(14)(15). Among these, CO 2 laser therapy has resulted effective and well tolerated in subjects with haemophilia.…”

“…It consists of the application of adhesive bandages in the site of the hematoma. Skin stimulation by KT determines greater recruitment of motor units and neuromuscular spindles with a consequent improvement in muscle strength and muscle tone (14,15). It also determines an increase in blood flow and an increase in interstitial spaces, favoring vascular and lymphatic drainage (16).…”