Effect of taping on multi-segmental foot biomechanical mechanics during the running in chronic ankle instability

The study aimed to investigate the effects of different lengths of kinesiology tape (KT) on multi-segment foot biomechanical variables in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Kinematic and kinetic data were collected using a ten-camera Vicon motion capture system (200 Hz) and a force plate (1000 Hz). Twenty participants with CAI ran under three different conditions: no KT (NT), short KT (ST), and long KT (LT). A five-segment foot model was used, which has 8 degrees of freedom. The results indicated that CAI individuals running with KT might decrease the subtalar eversion angle and Chopart oblique angle during the stance phase. Differences in joint moments were observed at the ankle and subtalar joints during the running stance phase, with smaller ankle plantarflexion and inversion subtalar joint moments in the LT condition compared to the NT and ST conditions. Furthermore, LT was found to decrease the ankle ligament force and increased the force of lateral gastrocnemius muscle, soleus, peroneus longus, and peroneus brevis in individuals with CAI during the stance phase. These findings suggest that KT might reduce ankle ligament force and the risk of ankle sprains in individuals with CAI during running.