The Short-Term Effects of Kinesio Tape on Joint Position Sense, Sense of Force and Postural Control in Patients with Functional Ankle Instability

Functional ankle instability is a common musculoskeletal injury. Patients with impaired proprioception and permanent impairment in postural stability. The aim of this study is to investigate the short-term effect of kinesio tape on joint position sense, proprioception and postural control in patients with functional ankle instability. This quasi-experimental study was performed on 20 non-athlete women aged 18 to 45 years with functional ankle instability. The joint position sense test was performed by Motion Analyzer, sense of force was examined by Load Cell, and balance strength test was done by Force Plate before and after kinesio taping. Kinesio tape was used with a tendon correction technique for the anterior tibialis, peroneus and gastrosoleus muscles.
FINDINGS: The absolute error of the joint position sense (0.98 ± 0.79 degrees), the sense of force (5.43±2.89 n) and postural control (5.73±1.37 ms) decreased to (p<0.001, 2.49±1.49 degrees), (p = 0.004, 10.18±6.09 n) and (p = 0.01, 6.91±1.75 ms), respectively, after using kinesio tape in the affected patients. The results of the study showed that immediately after kinesio taping in patients with functional ankle instability, the absolute error of the joint position sense, the sense of force and postural control decreased and joint proprioception improved.