Can fibular reposition taping improve balance performance in individuals with chronic ankle instability? A randomized controlled trial

• Published in: Musculoskeletal science & practice 2020-04, Vol.46, p.102128-102128, Article 102128
• Main Authors: Hadadi, Mohammad, Haghighat, Farzaneh, Sobhani, Sobhan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ankle sprain; Balance task; Chronic ankle instability; Tape
• ISSN: 2468-7812; 2468-7812
• DOI: 10.1016/j.msksp.2020.102128

Lateral ankle sprain results in positional faults in the fibula which are thought to limit accessory motion in the ankle, leading to hypomobility and negatively influencing sensorimotor function and postural control. Although it has been shown that fibular reposition taping (FRT) is effective in the prevention of recurrent lateral ankle sprain, its ability to produce significant changes in balance measures in patients with chronic ankle instability is inconclusive. This study aimed to determine whether a FRT intervention affects balance performance in patients with chronic ankle instability. Randomized controlled trial. Sixty individuals with chronic ankle instability were randomly allocated to three groups: FRT, sham taping, or no intervention (control group). Kinesiotape was applied and then re-applied on 3 occasions per week for 2 weeks. Static and dynamic balance were measured with three functional tests before and 1 day after the last session of intervention with the tape removed: single-leg stance test, single-leg hop test for distance, and modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT). The results of ANCOVA showed that there were no significant differences between the three groups except for mSEBT reach distance in the posterolateral direction, which was significantly greater in the FRT group than the control group (p = 0.03). Applying FRT for 2 weeks did not significantly affect static or dynamic balance measures in individuals with chronic ankle instability, hence its clinical efficacy to influence balance remains uncertain in this population. IRCT20171122037576N2 •Two weeks Fibular reposition taping did not improve balance in chronic ankle instability patients.•No difference was seen between sham and Fibular reposition taping groups in balance measures.•No difference was seen between control and Fibular reposition taping groups in static balance.