Functional properties of adhesive ankle taping: neuromuscular and mechanical effects before and after exercise

The purpose of the study was to investigate effects of adhesive ankle taping. Using electromyographic, goniometric, and thermologic methods, different ankle tapes were tested before and after athletic exercise in simulated inversion trauma. Twelve subjects with stable ankle joints performed five trials: with two different materials, with two taping techniques, and one trial without tape as control. After the simulated inversion trauma, approximately 35% of the initial maximum inversion amplitude was decreased by ankle taping. Depending on the technique, there was a loss of tape stability < or =14% after 30 min of athletic exercise. Thermologic analysis revealed a postexercise 6 degrees C temperature increase in the foot, especially under the tape. Initially, interpreted as the primary effect, the improved joint stabilization is based on mechanical stiffness caused by the adhesive tape. Joint stability was influenced positively by neuromuscular proprioceptive and physiological processes, characterized by relatively increased electromyographic activation.