The effect of ankle Kinesio™ taping on ankle joint biomechanics during unilateral balance status among collegiate athletes with chronic ankle sprain

ObjectivesTo determine the effects of ankle Kinesio-taping (KT) on postural sway, lower limb ROM, and muscle activity during a unilateral balance tasks.DesignCase control study design.SettingData were collected at the human movement analysis laboratory.Participants30 collegiate athletes with chronic ankle sprain (11 females and 19 males, 23.91 ± 2.58 years).Main outcome measureHip, knee and ankle joints ranges of motion (ROMs); postural sway area and velocities in both anteroposterior and mediolateral directions; and muscular activity amplitudes (% peak) of lateral and medial gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior and peroneus longus in a 20s single leg balance test in two non-taped (control) and KT (intervention) conditions.ResultsSignificant decrease observed in ankle lateral ROM (p = 0.048, d = 0.52), mediolateral postural sway velocity (p = 0.029, d = 1.25), and peroneus longus activity amplitudes (p = 0.042, d = 0.55) after KT application.ConclusionAcute application of KT among athletes with chronic ankle instability could provide lateral mechanical support to the ankle, potentially decreasing the velocity of frontal plane sway, and decreasing the magnitude of muscle activation. These data suggest that KT may be beneficial for improving static joint stability among individuals with chronic ankle sprain, and thus could be considered an option to allow safe return-to-activity.     

Auditory cues behind congenitally blind subjects improve their balance control in bipedal upright posture

BackgroundCongenitally blind subjects developed postural adaptations improving somatosensory and vestibular systems to maintain upright stability and auditory skills to orient them in environment. However, the influence of auditory cues on upright stability in congenitally blind subjects stays unknown.Research questionThe aim of this study is to define the influence of an auditory cue in congenitally blind subjects back space on their balance posture.MethodsEleven sighted subjects and eleven congenitally blind subjects performed upright bipedal and unipedal quiet stances on a force plate with two conditions of auditory cue played by a loudspeaker placed 2 m behind them. Mean CoP velocity were recorded. Student test was used to compare significant difference between blind and sighted subjects bipedal and unipedal postures stability in both conditions of auditory cue.Results and significanceResults showed that congenitally blind subjects had no significant difference in mean sway velocity compared to sighted subjects in bipedal upright posture in auditory signal condition. However, blind subjects had significant lower mean sway velocity than sighted subjects in bipedal upright posture without sound. Blind subjects had significant increased mean sway velocity during unipedal quiet standing in both auditory cue conditions (with and without sound). The results showed that congenitally blind subjects used auditory cues placed behind them in order to improve their balance control in bipedal upright posture. In this case, blind subjects could better use compensatory mechanisms to perform quiet standing as sighted subjects. Without sound or in unipedal upright posture, congenitally blind subjects probably have sensory perturbations or limitations that impose them adaptations in order to avoid falling risk. Auditory cues should be study in the aim to better understand the compensatory mechanisms used by congenitally blind subjects to perform postural balance in usual environment.     

Effect of expertise in shooting and Taekwondo on bipedal and unipedal postural control isolated or concurrent with a reaction-time task

It was hypothesized that training in ‘static balance’ or ‘dynamic balance’ sports has differential effects on postural control and its attention demands during quiet standing. In order to test this hypothesis, two groups of female athletes practicing shooting, as a ‘static balance’ sport, and Taekwondo, as a ‘dynamic balance’ sport, and a control group of non-physically active females voluntarily participated in this study. Postural control was assessed during bipedal and unipedal stance with and without performing a Go/No-go reaction time task. Visual and/or support surface conditions were manipulated in bipedal and unipedal stances in order to modify postural difficulty. Mixed model analysis of variance was used to determine the effects of dual tasking on postural and cognitive performance. Similar pattern of results were found in bipedal and unipedal stances, with Taekwondo practitioners displaying larger sway, shooters displaying lower sway and non-athletes displaying sway characteristics intermediate to Taekwondo and shooting athletes. Larger effect was found in bipedal stance. Single to dual-task comparison of postural control showed no significant effect of mental task on sway velocity in shooters, indicating less cognitive effort invested in balance control during bipedal stance. We suggest that expertise in shooting has a more pronounced effect on decreased sway in static balance conditions. Furthermore, shooters invest less attention in postures that are more specific to their training, i.e. bipedal stance.     

Time-to-boundary analysis of postural control following acute lateral ankle sprain

BackgroundAcute lateral ankle sprain (ALAS) impairs unipedal balance both with the injured and uninjured limb, suggesting that balance during bipedal stance may also be compromised. However, a previous study failed to find such impairment because of poorly sensitive balance outcomes. Time-to-boundary (TTB) analysis may be sensitive enough for detecting latent deficits in bipedal balance following ALAS.Research questionWe aimed to examine postural stability during bipedal stance in patients with ALAS using TTB outcomes, and to determine bilateral deficits in unipedal balance.MethodsTwenty-seven patients with ALAS and 26 persons without a history of ALAS participated. ALAS was operationally defined as a traumatic injury to the lateral ligaments of the ankle joint occurring within 24–72 h. Both limbs of the control group were side-matched to those of the patients as either injured or uninjured limbs. All participants performed 3 trials of bipedal stance with eyes open and closed. Next, they completed 3 trials of unipedal stance on both the injured and uninjured limbs in both visual conditions. Order of limb and visual condition for each limb was randomly selected. Means and standard deviations of TTB minima in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions were computed to assess balance, with lower values indicating poorer balance.ResultsIndependent t-tests revealed significant group differences for almost all measures (p=<0.001 to 0.021), indicating that the ALAS group presented poorer bipedal balance. For unipedal balance, there were no significant group-by-limb interactions for all measures (p > 0.05), indicating no side-to-side differences in the ALAS group. However, group main effects were found for all measures (p=<0.001 to 0.048), showing poorer unipedal balance in the ALAS group.SignificanceTTB analysis revealed impaired balance during both unipedal and bipedal stance conditions following ALAS. These results support the emerging hypothesis that centrally mediated changes in postural control may occur following ALAS.     

Sensorimotor posture control in the blind: Superior ankle proprioceptive acuity does not compensate for vision loss

To better understand sensorimotor posture control differences between blind and sighted individuals, we examined the role of ankle joint proprioception and ankle muscle strength on postural control in healthy blind (n = 13, 25–58 years) and age- and sex-matched sighted (n = 15, 20–65 years) volunteers. We measured ankle joint proprioceptive acuity and isokinetic muscle strength in plantarflexion and dorsiflexion using an isokinetic dynamometer. We also assessed postural control performance during quiet bipedal stance with and without sudden postural perturbations, and during quiet unipedal stance. We found that while our blind subjects exhibited significantly better proprioceptive acuity than our sighted subjects their postural control performance was significantly poorer than that of the sighted group with eyes open, and no different from that of the sighted group with eyes closed suggesting that their superior proprioceptive acuity does not translate to improved balance control.     

Effect of Kinesio taping on Y-balance test performance and the associated leg muscle activation patterns in children with developmental coordination disorder: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundChildren with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) have leg muscular deficits which negatively affects their dynamic postural stability. Kinesio tape (KT) could enhance muscle activation, postural control and functional activities in healthy individuals. Therefore, we hypothesized that the usage of KT may address the postural instability problem of children with DCD.Research questionTo investigate the immediate effect of KT on dynamic postural stability and the associated lower limb muscle activity in children with DCD.MethodsForty-nine children with DCD were recruited where twenty-five children were randomly assigned to the KT group (mean age = 8.18 ± 1.16 years) and twenty-four to the control group (mean age = 8.06 ± 0.93 years). KT group received KT application to the rectus femoris and gastrocnemius muscles whereas the control group received no intervention. Measurements were taken before and after the application of KT. Dynamic balance performance was measured using a lower quartile Y-balance test (YBT-LQ). Leg muscle peak activation and time-to-peak muscle activation of the dominant lower limb during YBT-LQ were measured by surface electromyography.ResultsYBT-LQ composite score increased by 6.3% in the KT group at posttest (95% CI: -7.308, -2.480). In addition, a higher rectus femoris peak activation was illustrated for YBT-LQ anterior (32.5%; 95% CI: -48.619, -16.395) and posteromedial (24.6%; 95% CI: -42.631, -6.591) reach directions from pretest values in the KT group. Moreover, KT group exhibited a 38% (95% CI: 0.015, 2.983) longer gastrocnemius medialis time-to-peak duration for YBT-LQ posteromedial reach direction when compared to the control group.SignificanceKT revealed an immediate beneficial effect on YBT-LQ performance. Application of KT also increased rectus femoris peak activation and lengthened the muscle time-to-peak duration for specific reach directions. Incorporating KT as an adjunct with dynamic balance training programme could be beneficial for children with DCD.     

Kinesiology tape length and ankle inversion proprioception at step-down landing in individuals with chronic ankle instability

ObjectivesTo determine the effect of different lengths of kinesiology tape (KT) on ankle inversion proprioceptive performance in individuals with or without chronic ankle instability (CAI).DesignA repeated measures study.MethodsFifteen participants with unilateral CAI and fifteen participants with no CAI volunteered. The Ankle Inversion Discrimination Apparatus for Landing (AIDAL) was used to measure ankle proprioceptive acuity. All participants were tested under four KT conditions: no tape (baseline), short tape length (only foot and ankle complex involved), mid length (below the knee) and long length (above the knee) taping. After the baseline test, participants underwent the 3 different taping tests in a random order.ResultsRepeated measures ANOVA indicated that, compared to those without CAI, individuals with CAI performed significantly worse across the 4 different conditions (F = 8.196, p = 0.008). There was a significant KT main effect (F = 7.489, p < 0.001) and a significant linear effect (F = 17.083, p < 0.001), suggesting that KT significantly improved ankle proprioceptive performance in landing, and with longer tape length there was greater proprioceptive enhancement. Post-hoc analysis showed that for the CAI group, both mid length (p = 0.013, 95%CI = −0.063, −0.009) and long length (p = 0.010, 95%CI = −0.067, −0.011) taping can significantly improve ankle proprioceptive performance compared to no tape, whereas for the non-CAI group, ankle proprioceptive acuity was significantly improved only with long length taping (p = 0.007, 95%CI = −0.080, −0.015).ConclusionsKT can be used to improve ankle inversion proprioceptive performance during landing in both individuals with and without CAI and increasing tape length may achieve greater proprioceptive improvement.     

Relationships between self-reported ankle function and modulation of Hoffmann reflex in patients with chronic ankle instability

ObjectiveTo examine relationships between self-reported ankle function and Hoffmann (H) reflex modulation during changes in body positions in patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI).DesignObservational.SettingLaboratory.ParticipantsThirty-one young adults with CAI (19 males, 12 females) participated.Main outcome measuresThere were two subscales of Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) to quantify self-reported ankle function during activities of daily living (ADL) and sports activities. Maximum H-reflexes (H-max) and motor waves (M-max) from soleus and fibularis longus were recorded while participants lied prone and stood in bipedal and unipedal stances. For each muscle, percent change scores in H_max:M_max ratios were calculated between each pair of positions: prone-to-bipedal, bipedal-to-unipedal, and prone-to-unipedal, and used as a measure of H-reflex modulation. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated between FAAM and H-reflex modulation measures.ResultsThere were significant correlations between: (1) FAAM-ADL and soleus prone-to-unipedal modulation (r = 0.384, p = 0.04), (2) FAAM-Sport and soleus prone-to-unipedal modulation (r = 0.505, p = 0.005), (3) FAAM-Sport and fibular bipedal-to-unipedal modulation (r = 0.377, p = 0.05), and (4) FAAM-Sport and fibular prone-to-unipedal modulation (r = 0.396, p = 0.04).ConclusionsCAI patients presented moderate, positive relationships between self-reported ankle function and H-reflex modulation during changes in body positions.     

Postural sway following cryotherapy in healthy adults

In light of the wide use of cryotherapy and its potential negative effects on postural stability, little is known about how postural sway is affected, particularly when the whole lower limb is immersed. The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of cryotherapy on postural sway in healthy males. Twenty-six subjects were randomly assigned into two intervention groups: control (tepid water at ∼26 °C) or ice (cold water at ∼11 °C). Postural sway was measured through the center of pressure (COP) position while they stood on a force plate during bipedal (70 s) and unipedal (40 s) conditions before and after the subjects were immersed in a water tub up to the umbilical level for 20 min. COP standard deviation (SD) and COP velocity were analyzed in the anterior–posterior (AP) and medial–lateral (ML) directions. Statistical analysis showed that in the bipedal condition cryotherapy increased the COP SD and COP velocity in the ML direction. During the unipedal condition, a higher COP velocity in the AP and ML directions was also reported. Our findings indicate that cryotherapy by immersing the whole lower limb should be used with caution before engaging in challenging postural control activities.     

The effectiveness of Kinesio taping on playing-related pain,function and muscle strength in violin players: A randomized controlled clinical trial

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Kinesio taping (KT) on playing-related pain, upper extremity and hand function, grip and pinch strength in violin players.DesignRandomized controlled trial.SettingFaculty of health sciences.ParticipantsOne hundred seventeen participants who were professional violinists for at least two years (82 women; mean age, 22.76 ± 3.87 years) were randomized to receive either therapeutic tape application (KT group), a sham tape application (placebo group), or no application (control group) for one week.Outcome measuresThe primary outcome was the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) in one week. The secondary outcomes were the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Purdue Pegboard Test, grip and pinch strength. Outcome measures were performed at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and one week later (follow-up). Participants were asked to play the “Violin Concerto No.2, Op.35 (Rieding, Oskar)”; pre-and post-performance pain and grip and pinch strength were assessed.ResultsThe overall group-by-time interaction was not significant for DASH, but the improvement in the mean VAS-playing was slightly better in the KT group than in others (p < 0.05). The mean post-performance VAS-playing remained similar in the KT group while slightly increasing in the other groups (p < 0.05). In addition, a decrease in the mean post-performance grip strength of the left hand was significantly lower in the KT group than in the other groups (p < 0.05).ConclusionsViolin players receiving an application of KT represented minor improvements in playing-related pain, and post-performance pain intensity and grip strength of the left hand slightly remained after 1 week kT application. The possible post-performance effect of the tape on the pain intensity and grip strength must also be considered because KT can be used during the performance.     

Lower-leg Kinesio tape reduces rate of loading in participants with medial tibial stress syndrome

ContextMedial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) is an overuse injury occurring among the physically active. Linked to increased strain on the medial tendons of the ankle, studies emphasize controlling medial foot loading in the management of this condition. Kinesio taping (KT) has gained popularity for treating musculoskeletal pathologies; however, its effect on MTSS remains uninvestigated. This study aimed to determine if healthy participants and patients with current or previous history of MTSS differ in the rate of loading, and if KT affects plantar pressures in these participants.MethodsTwenty healthy participants and 20 participants with current or previous history of MTSS were recruited and walked across a plantar pressure mat prior to KT application, immediately after application, and after 24-h of continued use. Time-to-peak force was measured in 6 foot areas and compared across groups and conditions.ResultsANOVA revealed a significant interaction between group, condition, and foot area (F = 1.990, p = 0.033). MTSS participants presented with lower medial midfoot time-to-peak force before tape application (95%CI: 0.014–0.160%, p = 0.021) that significantly increased following tape application (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThese results suggest that KT decreases the rate of medial loading in MTSS patients. Future research might assess mechanisms by which this effect is achieved.     

Effects of the removal of vision on body sway during different postures in elite gymnasts

The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of the removal of vision on postural performance and postural control in function of the difficulty and specificity of the posture. Twelve elite gymnasts were instructed to be as stable as possible with eyes open and eyes closed in three postures: bipedal, unipedal, and handstand ranked from the less difficult and less specific to the more difficult and more specific. The ratios eyes closed on eyes open, computed on CP surface and CP mean velocity, which respectively represents postural performance and postural control, were similar in the bipedal and handstand postures. They were highly increased in the unipedal one. The effect of the removal of vision and so the role of vision on body sway was not directly linked to the difficulty or specificity of the posture; other tasks' characteristics like the segments configuration also played a role.     

The influence of Mulligan ankle taping during balance performance in subjects with unilateral chronic ankle instability

Objective: To determine whether Mulligan ankle tape influenced the performance in subjects with unilateral chronic ankle instability (CAI) during static balance; postural sway recovery patterns after hopping and dynamic tracking balance tasks.Design: A cross-sectional, within-subjects experimental study design between 4 ankle conditions (taped; untaped: injured and uninjured).Participants: 20 volunteer recreational athletes with unilateral CAI were recruited. Means and standard deviations highlighted the athletes' characteristics: age = 23 ± 1 years; height = 173.1 ± 2.4 cm; weight = 69.3±3 kg; Functional Ankle Disability Index (FADI) = 93.5 ± 5.1% and FADI Sport = 84.2 ± 9.4%.Interventions: Mulligan ankle taping.Main Outcome Measurements: Static balance (10 s); postural sway recovery patterns after a 30 s functional hop test (immediately, 30 and 60 s); dynamic tracking balance tasks (wandering, target overshoot and reaction-time).Results: Between the four conditions, static balance showed no significant differences (p = 0.792); significant changes occurred in postural sway over time (p < 0.001); no significant changes were reported for the dynamic tracking tasks. Wandering was highly correlated with reaction-time and overshooting (p < 0.01).Conclusion: Under resting and fatigued conditions, Mulligan ankle taping did not impact on the neuromuscular control during static and dynamic balance in subjects with healthy and unstable ankles.     

Influence of footwear on postural sway: A systematic review and meta-analysis on barefoot and shod bipedal static posturography in patients and healthy subjects

BackgroundBipedal static posturography is widely used to assess postural control. However, standardized methods and evidence on the influence of footwear on balance in comparison to barefoot stance is sparse.Research questionsIs bipedal static posturography applied in a standardized way with respect to demographics and the experimental set-up (systematic review)? Does habitual footwear influence postural control in comparison to barefoot condition during bipedal static posturography in adult patients and healthy subjects (meta-analysis)?MethodsFor this systematic review and meta-analysis, a comprehensive follow-up literature search was conducted from March 2009 until January 2020 according to the PRISMA guidelines. Original, research articles reporting on bipedal, unsupported, static posturography in adults (≥18 years) were included according to inclusion criteria (age, sex, height, weight, duration, repetitions, visual/foot condition, sampling frequency). Studies comparing habitual footwear with barefoot condition during bipedal static posturography were included for the meta-analysis. Center of pressure parameters (sway velocity, range, root mean square, paths lengths) with subjects having eyes closed (EC) or open (EO) were analyzed using random effects models.ResultsFor this systematic review and meta-analysis, 207 and eight out of 5189 studies with 12'341 and 156 subjects, respectively, were eligible. Most studies (89%) reported barefoot, 5% shod, and 6% barefoot and shod measurements. Less than half of studies (44%) included patients of which the minority (13%) suffered from neurological disease. Sway velocity in the anterior-posterior direction was higher in habitual shoes compared to barefoot with EC (SMD: 1.08; 95% CI: 0.68–1.48; p < 0.01; I² = 0%), with EO (SMD: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.11–1.26; p = 0.02; I² = 1%), and in the medio-lateral direction with EC (SMD: 1.30; 95% CI: 0.76–1.85, p < 0.01; I² = 37%).SignificanceMethodical heterogeneity of bipedal static posturography hampers studies’ comparability. Thus, we provide a standardized approach to increase knowledge whether habitual footwear decrease postural control in comparison to barefoot stance.     

The efficacy of elastic therapeutic tape variations on measures of ankle function and performance

ObjectivesTo investigate the effects of different variations of elastic therapeutic taping (ETT) on tests used to screen for ankle injury risk and function.DesignRandomized crossover.SettingLaboratory.ParticipantsTwelve professional male soccer players completed three experimental trials: No tape (NT), RockTape™ (RT), and Kinesio™ Tape (KT) applied to the ankle complex.Outcome MeasuresClinical and functional ankle screening tests were used to assess the effects of ETT on measures of joint position sense, postural stability and ground reaction forces.ResultsKT (P = 0.04) and RT (P = 0.01) demonstrated significant improvements in end range joint position sense. When compared to NT, RT significantly (P = 0.02) improved mid-range joint position sense at 15°, and time to complete a drop landing task. No significant differences were observed for measures of postural stability (P ≥ 0.12) nor ground reaction force variables (P ≥ 0.33).ConclusionsResults advocate the use of ETT for proprioceptive and functional tasks when applied to the ankles of healthy male soccer players. However, a greater number of practical and significant differences were observed when RT only was applied, indicating that practitioners may potentially advocate the use of RT for tasks requiring proprioception and functional performance.     

Effect of Kinesio Taping on gastrocnemius activity and ankle range of movement during gait in healthy adults: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveTo examine the effect of KT on gastrocnemius surface electromyography (SEMG) activity and ankle range of motion during walking in healthy subjects.DesignRandomized controlled trial, with concealed allocation and assessor blinding.SettingUniversity Biomechanics Laboratory.ParticipantsThirty six healthy physiotherapy students were randomized to KT or control group.Outcome MeasuresAt baseline and immediately after 72 h with the tape in situ: amplitude of LG SEMG activity during the stance phase, duration of the LG activity, onset and offset times of LG activity, ankle plantar- and dorsiflexion peaks, and the cadence of gait.ResultsANOVA revealed a significant time × intervention interaction effect across two variables: duration of LG activation, F(1, 33) = 4.71, p = .037, η = .015; and onset F(1, 33) = 7.92, p = .008, η = .037. KT group showed significantly shorter duration of the LG activity as compared with control, and similar results were observed when comparing the onset of LG activation. No statistically significant differences between both groups were noted in the rest of the outcomes.ConclusionKT does significantly shorten the duration of the LG activity during gait when applied 72 h in healthy adults. However, this result was not accompanied by a significant reduction in the amplitude of LG SEMG activity.     

Difference in balance measures between patients with chronic ankle instability and patients after an acute ankle inversion trauma

Neuromuscular control of the ankle is disturbed in patients with chronic ankle instability due to an initial ankle inversion trauma. Static balance is assumed to be a measure for this disturbance. Functional (ankle) scores are another way to evaluate ankle impairment. The hypothesis was that there is a difference in static balance measures between small groups of healthy subjects, patients after an acute ankle inversion trauma and patients with chronic ankle instability and that static balance measures correlate well with functional scores. Static balance in healthy subjects (N = 15), patients after a primary ankle inversion injury (N = 14) and patients with chronic ankle instability (N = 23) was tested with a single leg test on a force plate (Postural Sway test) and on a compliant floor (Simple Balance test). Functional impairment was evaluated with the Karlsson, AOFAS and SF-36 (ankle) scores. There was a statistically significant and clinically relevant difference in functional (ankle) scores, but not a statistically significant difference in balance measures between the groups. Balance measures did not correlate to the functional scores. It was concluded that, despite a clinically relevant difference in functional outcome measures between the groups, static balance measures do not appear to be useful for clinical application in the individual patient.     

Postural balance asymmetry and subsequent noncontact lower extremity musculoskeletal injuries among Tunisian soccer players with groin pain: A prospective case control study

BackgroundRecent studies reported postural balance disorders in patients and soccer players with groin pain (GP) compared to controls. Since postural balance asymmetry identified after an initial injury contributes for subsequent injuries, identification of this asymmetry in soccer players with GP may highlight the risk of sustaining subsequent noncontact lower extremity musculoskeletal injuries in these players. Therefore, the aims of this study were to (i) examine static and dynamic unipedal postural balance asymmetry in soccer players with GP compared to healthy ones, and (ii) quantify the risk of subsequent noncontact lower extremity injuries in these players.Research questionDo soccer players with GP exhibit higher static and dynamic unipedal postural balance asymmetry, and higher risk of sustaining subsequent injuries compared to controls?MethodsIn this prospective case control study, 27 soccer players with non-time loss GP (GP group: GPG), and 27 healthy ones (control group: CG) were enrolled. Static and dynamic unipedal postural balance asymmetry were evaluated with a force platform using symmetry index (SI), and Y-balance test (Y-BT), respectively. Additionally, subsequent noncontact lower extremity musculoskeletal injuries were tracked for 10 months.ResultsThe GPG revealed higher (p < 0.01) SI in eyes closed condition, higher (p < 0.001) side-to-side asymmetry in anterior, posteromedial and posterolateral reach distances and in composite Y-BT score compared to CG. They showed lower (p < 0.001) composite score for injured limb and higher (p < 0.001) side-to-side asymmetry in posteromedial reach distance compared to the cut-off values of 89.6 % and 4 cm, respectively. Moreover, GPG exhibited higher odds (OR= 7.48; 95 % CI = 2.15, 26.00; p < 0.01) of sustaining subsequent injuries compared to CG.SignificanceThe Y-BT should be instituted into existing pre-participation physical examinations to screen for soccer players with non-time loss GP at an elevated risk of sustaining subsequent injuries. This could help coaches and clinicians make valid return to play decisions.     

Can arm movements improve postural stability during challenging standing balance tasks?

BackgroundThere is growing evidence that arm movements make a substantial and functionally relevant contribution to dynamic balance. Additional insight of the important role of arm movements may be gained by quantifying the effects of arm restriction on the performance of commonly recommended static balance tasks of increasing difficulty.Research questionThe purpose of the present study was to determine whether restricting/permitting arm movements influences postural sway during tasks of various levels of difficulty.MethodsA total of 20 healthy and physically active adults (females; n = 10; age, 20.7 ± 1.3 years) randomly completed (a) quiet standing postural control tasks of increasing difficulty (bipedal, tandem, unipedal) on a fixed and foam surface, and (b) a dynamic postural control task (Y balance test), under two different verbally conveyed instructions of arm position; (1) restricted arm movement and (2) free arm movement. Centre of pressure outcomes measured during quiet standing served as a measure of static balance performance.ResultsThe results showed that restricting movements of the arms elicited large magnitude (Cohen’s d = 0.97 – 1.28) increases in mediolateral postural sway (P < 0.05) but not anteroposterior (P > 0.05) sway. These effects were only observed during challenging (tandem and unipedal) standing balance tasks. Restricting arm movements elicited a marked reduction in the Y Balance reach distance (all directions, P < 0.001, d = −0.53 to −1.15).SignificanceThe findings from the present study suggest that the contribution of the arms only become relevant when frontal plane balance is challenged. Moreover, the data indicate that arm movements are vital for the control of mediolateral postural sway.     

The effect of ankle taping or bracing on proprioception in functional ankle instability: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesTo determine if wearing an ankle brace or taping the ankle, compared to no brace or tape, improves proprioceptive acuity in people with a history of ankle sprain or functional ankle instability.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsStudies using controlled, cross-over designs whereby participants who had sprained their ankle at least once or had functional ankle instability, underwent some form of proprioceptive sensation testing with and without ankle brace or tape, were included. Proprioceptive acuity was reported for the ankle tape/brace condition and the condition where no tape or brace was worn. Meta-analysis was employed to compare proprioceptive acuity with and without ankle tape/brace.ResultsEight studies were included in the review. Studies measured either sense of movement or sense of joint position. The mean differences in 19 of 32 comparisons were not significant. Of the remaining mean differences, 10 were positive, indicating better proprioceptive acuity in the taped/braced condition and 3 were negative, indicating poorer proprioceptive acuity. Overall, there was no significant effect with ankle tape/brace compared to the no tape/brace condition (mean difference: 0.08°, 95% CI: ?0.39 to 0.55). This finding was consistent when the two aspects of proprioception (sense of movement or joint position) were considered separately.ConclusionsThe pooled evidence suggests that using an ankle brace or ankle tape has no effect on proprioceptive acuity in participants with recurrent ankle sprain or who have functional ankle instability.