Comparison of Ankle Taping Effect on Postural Stability between Fameles with Functional Ankle Instability and Healthy Individuals

Objective: The purpose of present study was comparatively analyze the effect of ankle taping on postural stability in patients with functional ankle instability and healthy individuals. Materials & Methods: Studied variables were the stability indices including overall stability index,antero-posterior and medio- lateral stability indices. In the first stage, a methodological research for evaluating the reliability of measurements was implemented in two groups of patients (n=8), and healthy individuals (n=8). All variables showed excellent relative and absolute reliabilities. In the second stage, a quasi-experimental case control study was conducted in two groups of patients (n=15) and healthy females (n=15). Biodex Balance System was used to measure postural sways in patients and healthy females in one and two legged stance, with and without taping. Data was analyzed by using coefficient of correlation and ANOVA. Results: The finding showed significant improvements of postural sways in all conditions of tests after taping compared with same measurements before taping. Conclusion: Based on the results, postural control problems may be considered as very important aspects in evaluate and management of patients with functional ankle instability. Also taping is suggested as valuable for improving dynamic postural control via reinforcement of proprioceptive inputs in females with functional ankle instability