Abstract
There is currently very limited research on the effectiveness of elastic therapeutic tape in relationship to its potential impact on an individual’s balance performance. Furthermore, there has yet to be research specifically comparing RockTape© (RT), white athletic tape, and no tape in relation to balance. Objective: The purpose of this study was to test ankle stability utilizing the Biodex Balance System (BBS) with individuals who have chronic ankle instability (CAI). Methods: This study was an experimental design with repeated measures. All testing was completed in a physical therapy laboratory on campus at Florida Gulf Coast University, Marieb Hall #103. Participants consisted of eight females and 13 males with an average age of 23 years with scores on the FADI indicating the presence of CAI. Participants were recruited from athletic training, exercise science, physical therapy classes. Each participant completed three identical tests on different days on the BBS with all three conditions of the application of RT, white athletic tape, or no tape assigned at random. The BBS provided measures of the Anterior Posterior Stability Index (ASPI), Medial Lateral Stability Index (MLSI), and Overall Stability Index (OSI). Interventions: Participants signed informed consent forms and the FADI before any testing. The participants randomly received each of the three conditions (RT, white athletic tape, no tape.) Testing was conducted on separate days for each condition. Testing on the BBS was completed in a single leg stance without UE support or external help such as verbal cues. Results: The results of this study indicated no statistically significant difference in outcomes for the three test conditions of RT, white athletic tape, and no tape when comparing APSI, MLSI, and OSI. Conclusion: The application of RT or white athletic tape to individuals with CAI may provide no additional benefits to improving balance in comparison to no intervention. There were no statistically significant differences based on results obtained from balance testing on the BBS. Research including elastic therapeutic tape on individuals with ankle instability should be continued in order to present clear and consistent results to clinicians utilizing this tape.