The influence of kinesio taping of the ankle joint on stabilometric parameters in women aged 18-25 years

Abstract

Introduction: The upright posture uniquely characteristic of humans is dependent upon many factors. Kinesio Taping is used to enhance ankle joint stability, but its effectiveness in relation to body stability in a standing position has not yet been verified in scientific research. Objectives: Assessment of the effect of ankle Kinesio Taping on stabilometric parameters in young, healthy women. Material and Methods: The study included 50 healthy women (mean age 21.12 ±1.83 years) who were randomly assigned to two groups: the taping group (group T) and control group (group C). In the taping group Kinesio Taping was applied according to the method used in ankle sprains (both inversion and eversion). The women performed the Romberg test four times with each trial lasting two minutes on an Alfa AC International East stabilometric platform: two tests without Kinesio taping intervention and two further tests with (group T) or without taping (group C). Results: Significant differences between the groups were observed in the following parameters: mean speed in the sagittal plane with eyes open; 0.06 cm/s (p=0.0002), mean speed in the frontal plane with eyes open; 0.07 cm/s (p=0.0001), total path length with eyes open; 5.78 cm (p=0.0001) and sway area with eyes open; 0.58 cm2 (p=0.0002) and in parameters: mean velocity in the sagittal plane with eyes closed; 0.10 cm/s (p=0.0004), mean velocity in the frontal plane with eyes closed; 0.11 cm/s (p=0.0004) and in total path length with eyes closed; 0.43 cm (p=0.0004). Conclusions: In young, healthy women who received Kinesio Taping, favourable changes in stabilometric parameters were found indicating better ankle stability than in the group without taping.