Beyond support: exploring the dynamic and static biomechanical changes induced by preventive ankle taping: a novel...

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Lateral ankle sprains (LAS) are common sports injuries, often managed with functional taping.
• The biomechanical effects and actual benefits of ankle taping remain under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the biomechanical effects of preventive functional taping on ankle sprain.
• To analyze modifications in stance times, balance, contact surface, and pressure distribution during gait.

Main Methods:

• Observational, analytic, cross-sectional study involving 50 participants.
• Assessment of static and dynamic plantar pressures using a pressure platform.
• Evaluation of balance using the Y Balance Test (YBT).

Main Results:

• Taping significantly decreased YBT scores for anterior and posterolateral motion.
• Static analysis showed increased midfoot pressure and decreased forefoot pressure and rearfoot contact surface.
• Dynamic analysis revealed decreased rearfoot contact surface, increased midfoot and forefoot pressure, and reduced forefoot velocity.

Conclusions:

• Ankle taping shifts plantar load distribution and may alter gait dynamics.
• Taping significantly impairs balance, particularly in anterior and posterolateral directions.
• Prophylactic ankle taping is not recommended for individuals without a prior history of LAS.