The effects of ankle taping on 3-dimensional kinematic findings of the ankle joint during walking on level ground

Ankle taping is frequently used in sports to prevent or treat patients with ankle sprain. It claims to help keeping the ankle and foot areas in correct biomechanical positions during activities. Despite its enormous use in sport، there is little evidence to objectively support this claim. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of ankle taping on kinematics of the ankle joint during walking on level ground. 36 normal subjects (18 males and 18 females with mean age of 23±3 years and BMI of 23±2) and no history of ankle sprain were randomly tested in 3 walking conditions including no-taped، taped، and with a placebo taping. A Gibney close basket weave technique was used in this study and the subjects walked on level ground with their preferred speed. The 3-D ankle kinematic data were captured and analyzed with use of an advanced Qualysis motion analysis system (Qualysis، Sweden). Finding of the current study revealed a significant decrease in ankle supination at initial contact and a significant decrease in maximum ankle plantar flexion and pronation during the stance phase (p=0. 01). Placebo taping resulted in data very similar to the no-taped condition of the ankle joint. The results of the current study showed that taping can be effective in controlling heel movements، foot supination and ankle plantar flexion angles. The current results showed that ankle taping might be helpful in prevention of ankle sprain.