The acute effects of taping on proprioception in the ankle with previous inversion sprain

The aim of this study was to examine if subjects with chronic ankle inversion injuries have worse proprioception in the inversion/eversion plane, when compared to a control ankle and to examine whether taping the ankle improves proprioception. The most common sporting based injuries are to the ankle. The correct instruction for rehabilitation may decrease the risk of reoccurrence. The proprioception was measured using a kinesthiometer (purpose built). Active joint angle replication was assessed at the ankle in the inversion and eversion plane under two different taping techniques. We analysed the data using three types of re-positioning errors: the absolute, exact and variable error. Data analysis indicated a greater exact error with active angle replication for the previously injured ankle in the inversion plane, for both groups. The majority of exact error was related to a tendency to overshoot from the test position. Taping did not appear to enhance proprioception at the ankle once activity was introduced. We suggest that the possible cause of recurrent ankle sprains in the inversion plane is due to diminished proprioception of the injured limb. Therefore, we give emphasis to the importance of proprioceptive training in the rehabilitation of ankle injuries. This minor thesis was written by a post-graduate student as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program