THE EFFECT OF ANKLE JOINT TAPING ON THE MOTION OF THE ANKLE JOINT DURING TREADMILL RUNNING

Abstract

Prophylactic ankle taping is frequently used to restrict joint range of motion and prevent further injury. Most studies on this procedure have used quasi-static measures of joint motion and few intervention studies have controlled the exercise load applied to the taped joint. This study examined the effect of protective ankle joint taping on restricting range of motion of the ankle joint using dynamic measures of joint range and controlled exercise intensity. i.e. treadmill running. Eight subjects were video taped whilst running and a moderate speed on a treadmill for 20 minutes. The results indicated that the tape significantly restricted motion in the frontal and sagittal planes. However, after less than 5 minutes exercise the range of motion returned to normal (i.e. untaped motion).