Effect of Non-Stretchable Athletic Tape Application on Speed and Agility in Players with Chronic Repetitive Inversion Ankle Sprain – A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background – Chronic Repetitive Inversion Ankle Sprain is one of the common injuries that occurs in contact as well as non-contact sports especially combat and jumping sports. As this injury is directly related to the ligament, proprioceptive deficit is observed in such players. The effect of taping on functional performance is still a topic of discussion. The purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate whether players with chronic repetitive inversion ankle sprain have any functional deficit and whether taping with non-stretchable athletic tape improves speed and agility. Methods - Players playing contact sports between the age of 18-24 years were included in the study after the initial screening for chronic repetitive inversion ankle sprain using IdFAI index and history of their injury. Speed was assessed using 10-m Sprint test while Agility was assessed using T-test for Agility. Post-application of the tape, data was collected on three time-intervals, i.e. immediate post-application of tape, post-3 days and post-14 days of application of tape. Results - Collected data was analyzed using One-way ANOVA test and the result showed statistically non-significant results in speed and agility, i.e. p=0.954 & p=0.999 respectively. These results suggest that there is statistically non-significant improvement in speed and agility post-application of the tape but comparing with the means of pre-test measures, there is an improvement in speed and agility after the application of the tape.