Effectiveness of taping for the prevention of ankle ligament sprains.

Abstract

The effectiveness of taping in the prevention of sports injuries has only been studied in detail with regard to the lateral ligaments of the ankle. It appears that taping can protect against injury. The mechanism by which taping works is not certain, but mechanical factors play a role which decreases with exercise. The major effect of taping may be its proprioceptive effect on underlying muscle groups.

Elastic Bandaging for Orthopedic- and Sports-Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review

“…This biomechanical adaptation hypothetically can increase the period of time before dangerous loading of the joint and can thus provide sufficient time for joint protective mechanisms (proprioceptive information and muscle response) to act for elimination or reduction of the injury risk. Such protective biomechanical adaptations have been clearly reported in ankle-and shoulder-taping studies 8,[47][48][49] and, in theory, can be attributed to a lesser extent to ENAB.…”

“…Several other studies have shown that anelastic taping of a joint or the application of an Aircast orthosis will lead to a significant reduction in both passive and active ankle ROM. 8,[50][51][52] Literature regarding enhancement of sports-injuryrehabilitation processes through ENAB has been limited to the comparison between ENAB and semirigid ankle supports. 18,[26][27][28] Evidence to date suggests that rehabilitation with the use of ENAB may be useful in terms of edema reduction and controlled ROM in non-weight bearing.…”

“…In both cases, sports taping can increase the athlete's sense of safety, as it enhances joints stability and reduces occurrence of injuries. [6][7][8] Although taping and kinesiotaping are the predominant therapeutic techniques used in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation, [9][10][11][12] ENAB is used for compression of an anatomic region, 13 for decreasing or accelerating the time needed to achieve maximal joint range of motion (ROM), 13 to support other rehabilitative equipment such as cold packs, 14 and for partial or total joint immobilization. 15 ENAB is also extensively used in treating sports injuries in the acute stage and particularly during the first 48 hours after an injury.…”

Second International Ankle Symposium, October 15–16, 2004, Newark, Delaware

“…This aspect, in combination with recommendations of braces for individual requirements, was addressed in a recent study by Eils et al 7 Regarding the effect of taping on the incidence of ankle sprains, it was shown that the use of tape led to a significant decrease of ankle injuries, whereas tape seemed to be less effective as compared to braces. 11,13,20,26 In addition, it was shown that the mechanical stability of tape was nearly completely lost after 20 minutes of exercise. 34 Therefore, the preventive effect of tape must have a different cause than sole mechanical stability.…”

“…These external supports are thought to have both mechanical and neuromuscular effects that aid in injury prevention. 11,14,55 Taping and bracing have been shown to be effective at reducing the risk of ankle sprains, especially among those with a prior history of ankle sprains. 41 There are some limitations of the research of these techniques.…”