Spiral Taping Improves Performance on Star Excursion Balance Test in Individuals with Unilateral Chronic Ankle Instability

Abstract

Purpose: This study was to investigate the short-term effects of spiral taping (ST) on performance on the star excursion balance test (SEBT) in individuals with unilateral chronic ankle instability (CAI). Methods: This study was single-group pre -post measures experimental design. The subjects with CAI were 39 (range, 20-31 years; male 16, females 23) were enrolled in the study. The discomfort had in unilateral ankle and Cumberland ankle instability score was 19.56 (± 3.29). Spiral tape (a width of 3 mm) was applied 3× 4 cross shape on medial malleolus, lateral malleolus and dorsal of talocural joint of unstable ankle. SEBT was measured baseline and 30 min later in stable ankle and unstable ankle. Results: SEBT showed significantly improved after applying the ST (p< 0.05, ES= 0.74) on unstable ankle. In comparison the difference of stable and unstable ankle, between the pretest and posttest were significant differences (p< 0.01, ES= 1.88). Conclusion: These results indicated that ST improves performance on the SEBT. Therefore, it suggests that ST may be a suitable intervention to dynamic balance in patients with CAI.