Effects of Ankle Support on Muscle Activation and Function

Creighton University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Ankle Sprain

Treatments: Other: Fibular Taping; Other: Sham Taping

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT01423513

11-16018

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of ankle taping on improving muscle function and ankle motion in individuals who frequently twist (sprain) their ankle. It is thought that ankle taping may increase muscle function and ankle motion which would benefit individuals who frequently sprain their ankle.

Full description

Previous research has demonstrated improved dynamic balance following the application of fibular taping. The effects of fibular taping on ankle dorsiflexion ROM and muscle activation in individuals with CAI are unknown. The purpose of this study is to determine the acute effects of fibular taping on muscle activation of the fibularis longus (peroneus) and soleus muscles, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) and dynamic balance. The investigators hypothesize that fibular taping will have similar effectiveness as mobilization interventions which have been shown to improve muscle activation, ankle dorsiflexion ROM,and dynamic balance. Outcomes will be measured immediately before and after intervention. A crossover design will be used and participants will complete two visits at least 48 hours apart, but not more than 1 week apart. After participants complete both arms of the study their participation will be complete (average time to completion for each subject is 1 week).

Enrollment: 26 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 16 to 45 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Age 16-45 years
• History of one or more ankle sprains
• Scoring at least an 85% on the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Sport or at least 3 on the Modified Ankle Instability Instrument (AII).
• At least 5° ankle dorsiflexion asymmetry compared to the contralateral limb OR ankle dorsiflexion ROM less than 21°

Exclusion criteria

• Lower extremity injury or surgery within the past 6 months (including lateral ankle sprain)
• Diagnosed ankle osteoarthritis
• History of ankle surgery that involves intra-articular fixation
• Potential for current pregnancy

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Crossover Assignment

Masking: Triple Blind

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26 participants in 2 patient groups

Fibular Taping

Experimental group

Description:

With the ankle in a neutral position, two strips of nonrigid hypoallergenic tape will be applied beginning at the distal aspect of the fibula, wrapping around the posterior aspect of the leg, and finishing superior and medial to the starting point. Next,a strip of rigid zinc oxide tape will be applied to the distal aspect of the fibula with tension.

Treatment:

Other: Fibular Taping

Sham Taping

Sham Comparator group

Description:

Sham taping will be applied in the same manner as the fibular taping, but tension will not applied to the zinc oxide tape

Treatment:

Other: Sham Taping