Effect of the Combined Application of Mulligan Taping and Flossing Band on Muscle Activity and Balance Ability in Chronic Ankle Instability Patients

Abstract

Objective:The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of combining Mulligan taping and flossing bands on lower limb muscle activity and static and dynamic balance. Design: A randomized controlled trial.Methods: Sixty-eight patients with chronic ankle instability were randomized into three groups that were treated with Mulligan taping (MT, n＝22), flossing band (FB, n＝23) and Mulligan taping combined with flossing band (MT＋FB, n＝23), and various parameters were compared before and after the intervention. The muscle activity of the lower extremities, including the tibialis anterior, peroneus longus and medial of gastrocnemius muscles was measured using BTS FREE EMG 1000, while the static and dynamic balance were measured using the Biorscuue balance measuring equipment. Results: There was a significant difference in muscle activity of the tibialis anterior muscle, before and after the intervention, in the MT group (p＜0.01), FB (p＜0.001) and MT＋FB (p＜0.001). There was also a significant difference in the muscle activity of the tibialis anterior muscle in the MT＋FB group when compared with that in MT and FB groups (p＜0.05). We also observed a significant difference in the dynamic balance all the groups (p＜0.001). Conclusions: Therefore, combining Mulligan taping and flossing bands for patients with chronic ankle instability may improve dynamic balance and tibialis anterior muscle activity.