Association between joint restriction and postural adjustment patterns in different ankle taping methods

Introduction

This study investigated the effects of two taping methods—Taping A (nonelastic, restrictive) and Taping B (elastic, functional)—and a Nontaping condition on joint motion restriction, postural maintenance, and anticipatory postural adjustments (APA). Furthermore, it assessed subjective perceptions, including discomfort and instability.

Methods

Twenty-two healthy participants, classified by ankle and foot instability, received taping on their nondominant leg. Measurements encompassed ankle and foot range of motion, leg–heel angle, center of pressure (COP) sway, and soleus/tibialis anterior muscle activity during single-leg standing and rapid arm elevation. Subjective discomfort was rated on an 11-point scale.

Results

In the stable group, both taping methods restricted plantar flexion and dorsiflexion, whereas inversion was most restricted by Taping A. Taping A only reduced eversion. In the leg–heel angle, both tapes in weight-bearing reduced valgus, whereas varus was only affected by Taping B in the instability group. Taping A caused greater discomfort in the stable group, whereas the discomfort levels were similar in the instability group. COP sway or muscle activity during single-leg standing demonstrated no differences. However, in the instability group, Taping A caused delayed soleus activation latency compared with Nontaping and Taping B.

Conclusion

The taping methods restricted joint movement without affecting postural control. However, Taping B shortened soleus activation latency, reducing the inhibitory effects on APA, whereas Taping A delayed the activation, potentially inhibiting APA-related muscle function. These findings suggest that the taping method influences soleus muscle function in APA.