Effectiveness of Non-Elastic Rigid Tape Application on Static and Dynamic Balance in Players with Chronic Inversion Ankle Sprain- A Pilot Study

Abstract

Chronic Inversion Ankle Sprain is one of the common injuries that occurs in sports especially combat and jumping sports. As this injury is directly related to the ligament, proprioceptive deficit is observed in players with chronic inversion ankle sprain. The effect of taping on functional performance is still a topic of discussion. The need of this pilot study is to evaluate whether players with chronic inversion ankle sprain have any functional balance deficit and whether taping with non-elastic rigid tape improves static and dynamic balance. Players playing contact sports between the age of 18-24 years were included in the study after the initial screening for chronic inversion ankle sprain using a IdFAI index and history of their injury. Static balance was assessed using Sensamove Mini Balance Board and Dynamic Balance was assessed using Single Leg Hoping Course Board. Data was collected on three intervals, i.e. immediate post-application of tape, post-3 days and post-14 days of application of tape. Collected data was analyzed using One-way ANOVA test and the result showed statistically significant improvement in static and dynamic balance, i.e. p=0.048 & p=0.040 respectively. These results suggest that after immediate post-application of tape and post-3 days of the application of tape there is an improvement in static and dynamic balance while no improvement post-14 days of application of non-elastic rigid tape. Non-elastic rigid tape application significantly improves static and dynamic balance in players with chronic inversion ankle sprain.