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. 2016 Jan;51(1):16-21.
doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-51.2.03. Epub 2016 Jan 11.

Extended use of Kinesiology Tape and Balance in Participants with Chronic Ankle Instability

Kristen Jackson  1 , Janet E Simon  2 , Carrie L Docherty  3
Affiliations

Extended use of Kinesiology Tape and Balance in Participants with Chronic Ankle Instability

Kristen Jackson et al. J Athl Train. 2016 Jan.

Abstract

Context: Participants with chronic ankle instability (CAI) have been shown to have balance deficits related to decreased proprioception and neuromuscular control. Kinesiology tape (KT) has been proposed to have many benefits, including increased proprioception.

Objective: To determine if KT can help with balance deficits associated with CAI.

Design: Cohort study.

Setting: Research laboratory.

Patients or other participants: Thirty participants with CAI were recruited for this study.

Intervention(s): Balance was assessed using the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS). Participants were pretested and then randomly assigned to either the control or KT group. The participants in the KT group had 4 strips applied to the foot and lower leg and were instructed to leave the tape on until they returned for testing. All participants returned 48 hours later for another BESS assessment. The tape was then removed, and all participants returned 72 hours later to complete the final BESS assessment.

Main outcome measure(s): Total BESS errors.

Results: Differences between the groups occurred at 48 hours post-application of the tape (mean difference = 4.7 ± 1.4 errors, P < .01; 95% confidence interval = 2.0, 7.5) and at 72 hours post-removal of the tape (mean difference = 2.3 ± 1.1 errors, P = .04; 95% confidence interval = 0.1, 4.6).

Conclusions: The KT improved balance after it had been applied for 48 hours when compared with the pretest and with the control group. One of the most clinically important findings is that balance improvements were retained even after the tape had been removed for 72 hours.

Keywords: Balance Error Scoring System; ankle sprains; proprioception.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
A, Lateral and, B, Medial views of the application of kinesiology tape. We applied the tape in the following order: red tape over the posterior tibialis muscle, yellow tape over the anterior tibialis muscle, purple tape over the peroneus longus muscle, and green tape over the transverse arch.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Total balance errors at each test time. a Indicates a change in balance errors from the pretest (P < .05). b Indicates a difference compared with the control group (P < .05).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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