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Does ankle tape improve proprioception acuity immediately after application and following a netball session? A
Erin Smyth1, Gordon Waddington1, Jeremy Witchalls2
1University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, Building 29, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, 2617, Australia; Australian Institute of Sport, Leverrier St, Bruce, ACT, 2617, Australia.
Summary
Ankle taping, whether applied by a professional or the athlete, enhances proprioception. This improvement in joint position sense is maintained throughout a netball session for both taping methods.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Proprioception is crucial for joint stability and injury prevention in athletes.
- Ankle taping is a common intervention used to enhance proprioception and reduce injury risk.
- Understanding the efficacy of different taping methods is important for optimizing athlete performance and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of ankle taping applied by a Sport and Exercise Physiotherapist (SEP) versus self-application by the athlete on proprioception.
- To determine if these proprioceptive changes are maintained during a netball session.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 53 pre-elite netball athletes at the Australian Institute of Sport.
- Proprioception was measured using the Active Movement Extent Discrimination Apparatus (AMEDA) before and after taping, and after a netball session.
- Both SEP-applied and self-applied taping conditions were assessed.
Main Results:
- Both SEP-applied and self-applied ankle taping significantly improved proprioception immediately after application.
- These improvements in proprioception were sustained throughout the netball session for both taping methods.
- No significant difference in proprioceptive outcomes was found between SEP-applied and self-applied taping.
Conclusions:
- Ankle taping, regardless of whether it is applied by a SEP or the athlete themselves, effectively enhances proprioception.
- The proprioceptive benefits of ankle taping are maintained during the demands of a netball session.
- Both taping methods offer comparable benefits for improving and maintaining ankle proprioception in netball players.
