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Association between joint restriction and postural adjustment patterns in different ankle taping methods
Shinichi Daikuya1, Yumi Okayama1
1Laboratory of Sports Science and Physical Therapy, Graduate School of Health and Medical Sciences, Hokuriku University, Japan.
Ankle taping restricts joint motion but doesn't impact overall postural control. However, elastic taping (Taping B) improves soleus muscle activation timing for anticipatory postural adjustments (APA), while nonelastic taping (Taping A) may hinder it.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Medicine
- Rehabilitation
Background:
- Ankle taping is commonly used to manage joint instability and improve function.
- Different taping methods may yield varied effects on joint motion, postural control, and muscle activation.
- Understanding these effects is crucial for optimizing taping strategies in athletic and clinical settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of nonelastic (Taping A) and elastic (Taping B) ankle taping on joint motion, postural maintenance, and anticipatory postural adjustments (APA).
- To assess subjective perceptions of discomfort and instability associated with each taping method.
- To investigate the influence of taping on soleus and tibialis anterior muscle activity.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-two healthy participants with varying ankle/foot stability were tested under three conditions: Taping A, Taping B, and Nontaping.
- Measurements included ankle range of motion, leg-heel angle, center of pressure (COP) sway, and soleus/tibialis anterior muscle activity during single-leg stance and arm elevation.
- Subjective discomfort was rated on an 11-point scale.
Main Results:
- Both taping methods restricted plantar flexion and dorsiflexion; Taping A most restricted inversion and Taping B affected varus in the instability group.
- Taping A caused greater discomfort in stable participants; discomfort was similar in the instability group.
- No differences in COP sway or muscle activity during single-leg standing were observed, but Taping A delayed soleus activation in the instability group.
Conclusions:
- Ankle taping effectively restricts joint movement without compromising overall postural control.
- Elastic taping (Taping B) may enhance APA by shortening soleus activation latency.
- Nonelastic taping (Taping A) might inhibit APA-related muscle function due to delayed soleus activation, particularly in individuals with instability.
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