Ground reaction forces after taping during single drop landing in persons with functional ankle instability

Abstract

Objective: Objective of the study was to examine effect of taping on peak ground reaction forces (GRFs) and time to peak GRFs in persons with functional ankle instability (FAI) during post impact single drop landing. Methods: Ten persons with FAI participated in the study. They were 3 males and 7 females collegiate athletes playing volleyball (n = 4) and basketball (n = 6). Averaged age, weight, and height were 20.6 ± 2.67 years, 61.80 ± 11.99 kg, and 165.50 ± 10.54 cm. Participants were tested single drop landing with the instability foot on forceplate. Three taping conditions were assessed; no tape, Kinesio tape, and non elastic tape. Results: Minimal reductions of GRFs were demonstrated in taping conditions but no statistical difference (p > 0.05) when compared to no taping. Minimal increases in all times to peak GRFs (except for the anterior force) were found in the Kinesio tape condition. Only the time to peak vertical GRF demonstrated significant difference (p = 0.039) among three taping conditions. Conclusion: Minimal beneficial effect of the Kinesio taping was demonstrated in terms of decreased the peak GRFs and prolonged time to peak GRFs during post impact of landing.