Fibular taping does not alter lower extremity spinal reflex excitability in individuals with chronic ankle instability

Abstract

Objective: To determine changes in spinal reflex excitability of the soleus and fibularis longus muscles before and after fibular taping intervention. Methods: Twenty-one individuals (age = 23.4 ± 2.7. y, height = 171.0 ± 12.8. cm, mass = 69.7 ± 11.8. kg) with chronic ankle instability (CAI) and at least 5° ankle dorsiflexion asymmetry volunteered for this randomised crossover design study. Each participant received a fibular taping with tension or fibular taping without tension during separate sessions. Spinal reflex excitability of the soleus and fibularis longus was determined by obtaining maximum values for H-reflex (Hoffmann reflex) and maximum compound muscle action potential (Mmax), which was expressed as a ratio (H/M ratio). Measures were obtained immediately before and after a fibular taping intervention. Results: The application of tape to the fibula, regardless of tension, did not produce a change in spinal reflex excitability for the soleus (F1,39 = .01, P= .91) or fibularis longus (F1,39 = .001, P= .99). Conclusions: Fibular taping with and without tension did not result in an immediate change in spinal reflex excitability of the soleus or fibularis longus in individuals with CAI. Although fibular taping has been shown to reduce recurrent ankle sprains in individuals with CAI, the mechanism of effectiveness may not involve an immediate increase in spinal reflex excitability.