Does kinesiology taping of the ankles affect proprioceptive control in professional football (soccer) players?. (May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bailey, Daniel; Firth, Paul
• Is Part Of: Physical therapy in sport. Volume 25(2017)
• Page Start: 94
• Page End: 98
• Publication Date: 2017-05
• Subjects: Kinesiology tape -- Proprioception -- Soccer -- Ankle; Sports physical therapy -- Periodicals; Sports injuries -- Patients -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Athletic Injuries -- diagnosis -- Periodicals; Athletic Injuries -- therapy -- Periodicals; Physical Therapy -- Periodicals; Sports Medicine -- Periodicals; 615.82088796
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2016.09.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1466-853X

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To determine whether the bilateral application of kinesiology tape (KT) to professional footballers' ankles can improve their lower limb proprioception. Design: A single blind randomised crossover study. Participants were randomly assigned to complete a proprioception test in either a taped or not taped condition first. Following a wash out period, participants were then re-tested in the alternate condition. Setting: A UK Championship League Football Club, mid-season. Participants: Twenty male professional football players over the age of 18, currently match fit with no injuries. Outcome measure: Proprioception was assessed by participants undertaking the moving target program on the balance module attached to a Kin-Com 125AP isokinetic dynamometer. A paired sample two tailed t -test was used to assess whether there was a significant difference between the participants test scores in the not taped and taped conditions. Results: The bilateral application of KT to professional footballers' ankles did not bring about a significant change in participants' scores when tested with a fine movement and balance control test. Percentage accuracy score mean difference 4.2 (p = 0.285). Conclusion: The results of this study do not support the use of KT when applied to the ankles of healthy footballers as a method of improving proprioception. Highlights: Randomised crossover study investigating the effects of kinesiology tape. Proprioception was assessed in professional soccer players with and without tape. A standing fine movement and balance control test evaluated proprioception. There was no improvement in players' test scores when wearing kinesiology tape.