Is Ankle Kinesio Taping Effective to Immediately Change Balance, Range of Motion, and Muscle Strength in Healthy Individuals? A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: The ankle–foot complex plays a key role in maintaining balance because it collects proprioceptive data. Kinesio taping (KT) is a rehabilitative method performed by the cutaneous application of a special elastic tape. The mechanical correction technique of KT was suggested to reposition the joints and alter balance parameters. The aim was to reveal the pure effects of ankle KT on balance, range of motion (ROM), and muscle strength in healthy individuals.Methods: Forty healthy students were recruited for this randomized, sham-controlled study at a local university. Participants were divided into two groups—experimental and sham application groups. The primary outcome measures were balance parameters. Athlete Single Leg (ASL), Limits of Stability (LoS), and Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance (CTSIB) were used to measure single-leg dynamic balance, dynamic postural control, and sensory interaction of balance, respectively. Dorsiflexion ROM and dorsiflexor muscle strength were the secondary outcomes.Results: The ASL score showed significant improvement only in the experimental KT group (P=0.02); however, the LoS score increased significantly in both groups (P<0.05). CTSIB scores, dorsiflexion ROM, and dorsiflexor muscle strength for both ankles did not change in any of the groups after intervention (P>0.05). Moreover, there was no superiority of one intervention over the other in improving any of the variables (P>0.05).Conclusion: The mechanical correction technique of KT can be useful in providing immediate improvement in single-leg dynamic balance in healthy individuals. However, it may not be effective to significantly change the sensory interaction of balance, dorsiflexion ROM, and muscle strength.

Immediate effects of elastic tape application on the foot sole: a randomized controlled trial

“…In a previous study that has reported an increase in ankle dorsiflexion ROM, a Y-shaped elastic tape was applied from the navicular tuberosity of the plantar to the medial and lateral heads of the gastrocnemius muscle 12 ) . On the other hand, in previous studies that reported no change, elastic tape was not applied to the gastrocnemius but around the ankle joint 13 , 14 ) . DFA of the participants in present study did not increase, which may be owing to the difference in the area of tape application compared to that in previous studies.…”

“…Several previous studies have reported on the effectiveness of elastic tape application for ankle dorsiflexion ROM in healthy individuals, with conflicting results. Although one study has identified a significant increase in ankle dorsiflexion ROM 12) , two other studies have reported no change 13,14) . Therefore, the efficacy of elastic tape application for ankle dorsiflexion ROM is uncertain.…”