Effectiveness of taping for the prevention of ankle ligament sprains.

The effectiveness of taping in the prevention of sports injuries has only been studied in detail with regard to the lateral ligaments of the ankle. It appears that taping can protect against injury. The mechanism by which taping works is not certain, but mechanical factors play a role which decreases with exercise. The major effect of taping may be its proprioceptive effect on underlying muscle groups.     

A comparison of ankle taping methods

Four different types of ankle tapings were applied to a model of the human ankle joint. The model was constructed so that it contained a hinge to represent the ankle joint and had an external shape identical to a real ankle and foot. A mechanical testing machine was used to apply moments to the model at a controlled loading rate. From these tests, the deflection and torque to failure and the tangent stiffness were determined. Loadings of an ankle joint in vivo revealed that the angular deflection to initiate pain was approximately 8 degrees. Only the figure eight and full tapings could withstand 8 degrees of angular displacement on the ankle model prior to failure. Analysis of athletic trauma revealed that torques of 420 Nm could be applied to the ankle joint. Only the figure eight taping with three or more wraps has adequate strength to withstand this moment, and thus this taping is recommended. In practice, tapings failed by shearing away from the surface of the foot of shrinking rather than by rupture of the tape.     

Retrospective comparison of taping and ankle stabilizers in preventing ankle injuries

The effectiveness of taping and the effectiveness of wearing a laced stabilizer in preventing ankle injuries and reinjuries over six seasons of collegiate football practices and games were assessed retrospectively. For 1 1/2 years the players all had taped ankles, and for the remaining 4 1/2 years the players chose their type of ankle support. Over the entire period, the players chose high-top or low-top shoes as preferred. During 51,931 exposures to injury (46,789 practice-exposures and 5,142 game-exposures), the 297 players sustained 224 ankle injuries and 24 reinjuries. Tape was worn during 38,658 exposures to injury (233 players), stabilizers during 13,273 exposures (127 players). Tape had been worn when 159 of the injuries and 23 of the reinjuries occurred; a stabilizer had been worn when 37 of the injuries (P = 0.003) and one of the reinjuries occurred. The combination allowing the fewest injuries overall was low-top shoes and laced ankle stabilizers.     

The effect of ankle taping on functional performance in participants with functional ankle instability

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of rigid ankle tape on functional performance, self-efficacy and perceived stability, confidence and reassurance during functional tasks in participants with functional ankle instability.DesignClinical measurement, crossover design.MethodsParticipants (n = 25) with functional ankle instability (Cumberland Ankle Instability Score < 25) were recruited from university students and sporting clubs. Participants performed five functional tests with and without the ankle taped. The tests were: figure-8 hopping test, hopping obstacle course, star excursion balance test (SEBT), single-leg stance and stair descent test. Secondary outcome measures were self-efficacy and perception measures.ResultsRigid tape significantly decreased the stair descent time by 4% (p = 0.014), but had no effect on performance in the other tests. Self-efficacy increased significantly (p < 0.001). Perceived stability, confidence and reassurance also increased with the ankle taped (p < 0.05) during the stair and two hopping tasks, but not during the SEBT or single-leg stance test.ConclusionAlthough taping the ankle did not affect performance, except to improve stair descent, it increased self-efficacy and perceived confidence in dynamic tasks. These findings suggest that taping may reduce apprehension without affecting functional performance in those with functional ankle instability and permit continued physical activity or sport participation.     

Short-term and long-term effects of ankle joint taping and bandaging on balance,proprioception and vertical jump among volleyball players with chronic ankle instability

ObjectiveThis study hypothesized that the prolonged use of taping during athletic activities produces more significant increases in proprioception, balance, and vertical jump among volleyball players with CAI.DesignA randomized controlled study.ParticipantsOne-hundred participants with chronic ankle instability (CAI) participated in this study. Participants were distributed into 3-groups: taping group, bandaging group, and control group.Primary outcome measuresProprioception (ankle range of motion absolute error), balance(Y-balance test), and vertical jump (vertical jump tester).InterventionsThree interventions were performed: ankle rigid taping, ankle bandaging, and placebo taping. The measurements were performed at baseline, immediately, 2-weeks and 2-months after support.ResultsImmediately after supports, there were non-significant differences between all groups for proprioception, balance (P < .05). There was a significant difference between banding and control groups, and taping and control groups for the vertical jump (P < .05). After 2-weeks and 2-months, there were significant differences between bandaging and control groups, and taping and control groups for proprioception, balance, and vertical jump (P < .05). There were non-significant differences between taping and bandaging groups (P < .05) during all assessments.ConclusionThis study indicated that ankle taping and bandaging immediately improve vertical jump only; while they improve proprioception, balance, and vertical jump after 2-weeks and 2-months.     

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.     

Kinematics of ankle taping after a training session

This study aimed to test the effectiveness of ankle taping on the limitation of forced supination during a change of direction, as well as the losses of effectiveness after a 30-minute training session. Fifteen young men with no ankle injury volunteered for the study. The static and dynamic ranges of movement (ROM) were measured before and after a training session. The dynamic measurements were recorded using high-speed 3D photogrammetry. The differences between static and dynamic measures of ankle supination and plantar flexion were significant. The losses of effectiveness during supination and ankle plantar flexion restriction were 42.3 % and 47.6 %, respectively. Ankle taping was effective in restricting the maximal static ROMs before a training session, but the effectiveness decreased after 30 min of training. The present study shows the necessity of performing dynamic ROM analysis of sports techniques involved in the ankle sprain mechanism in order to determine the degree of tape restriction after a training session, because there were differences between static and dynamic ankle ROMs. The lack of effects on the restriction of the dynamic plantar flexion would bring into question the necessity of ankle taping in subjects without previous injuries.     

Role of ankle taping and bracing in the athlete.

Adhesive tape is often used to help athletes recover from ligament sprains of the ankle or to prevent further injury. The choice of taping technique or material is often decided by personal preference, superstition, or anecdote. More recently, the use of ankle braces has become more prevalent, but reasons for their use are similarly variable. As ankle sprains are a major cause of an athlete's disability and time off sport, the choice of the method of support should be more scientifically reasoned. This paper attempts to review the literature concerning the effects of various methods of ankle support on swelling, stability, range of movement, proprioception, muscle function, gait, and performance tests. There is still some contradiction in the literature about the effects of taping and braces in both the acute and chronic phases of ligament sprains of the ankle.     

Comparative biomechanical effects of the standard method of ankle taping and a taping method designed to enhance subtalar stability.

The purpose of this study was to compare the restrictive effects of the widely recognized standard method of ankle taping with those of a modified ankle taping method that incorporates an additional component, the subtalar sling. Both ankles of 30 college football players were measured for maximal passive motion before taping, immediately after taping, and after a 2 to 3 hour football practice session. Downward and inward motions of the foot within the sagittal and frontal planes were induced separately and in combination with each other to allow quantification of four ankle motions. The data were analyzed by a 2 x 4 x 2 multivariate analysis of variance, a separate 2 x 3 analysis of variance for each of the four ankle motions, and the Newman-Keuls method of multiple comparisons of cell means. The results of this study suggest that the incorporation of the subtalar sling greatly enhances the protective function of ankle taping, but may impede performance of certain athletic skills.     

Normative tables for the dynamic and isometric judogi chin-up tests for judo athletes

Background

No study has elaborated the normative tables to classify judo athletes as to the dynamic and isometric chin-up judogi tests.

Purpose

To elaborate normative judogi chin-up tables to classify judo athletes.

Methods

138 male judo athletes from state, national, and international levels participated in the study. All tests were carried out during the competitive period. The tests can be performed by absolute values or relativized by body mass.

Results

Data were distributed as percentile, with absolute values ≤ 10% (very poor ≤ 10 s; ≤ 1 rep), 11 a 25% (poor 11–25 s; 2–6 reps), 26–75% (regular 26–55 s; 7–16 reps), 76–90% (good 56–62 s; 17–19 reps), and > 90% (excellent ≥ 63 s; ≥ 20 reps). The relativized values consist of the following classifications [body mass multiplied per seconds (s) or repetitions (reps)] ≤ 10% (very poor ≤ 1051 kg.s; ≤ 121 kg.rep), 11–25% (poor 1052–2041 kg.s; 122–474 kg.rep), 26–75% (regular 2042–3962 kg.s; 475–1190 kg.rep), 76–90% (good 3963–4008 kg.s; 1191–1463 kg.rep), and > 90% (excellent ≥ 4009 kg.s; ≥ 1464 kg.rep).

Conclusion

The normative table can be used as a reference to classify judo athletes as to specific used as a reference to classify judo athletes as to specific dynamic and isometric endurance strength holding the judogi, a specific field test which is low cost and can be implemented with the basic equipment.

     

Landing in netball: effects of taping and bracing the ankle

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of bracing and taping on selected electromyographic, kinematic, and kinetic variables when landing from a jump. METHODS: Fifteen netball players performed a jump, so as to land on their dominant limb on a force plate. Electromyographic activity was recorded from the gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, and peroneus longus muscles. Subjects were also filmed and measures of rearfoot motion were derived. RESULTS: Significantly less electromyographic activity (p<0.007) was observed from the gastrocnemius and peroneus longus muscle groups when subjects were braced. No other significant electromyographical findings were observed. Peak vertical ground reaction force and time to peak for vertical ground reaction force were not affected by bracing and taping, nor were the rearfoot and Achilles tendon angles at foot strike. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of bracing and taping on the selected biomechanics variables associated with landing was specifically limited to a reduction in muscle action, particularly for the braced condition. Netball players can be confident that the biomechanics of their landing patterns will not be altered whether they choose to wear a brace or tape their ankle joints.     

Development of tables for classifying judo athletes according to maximal isometric strength and muscular power,and comparisons between athletes at different competitive levels

The objectives of this study were to develop normative tables to classify judo athletes by maximal isometric strength and muscular power, and to compare performance at different competitive levels. 102 male athletes performed tests of maximal isometric handgrip strength (MIHS), scapular humeral traction (MISHT), lumbar traction (MILT), lower body traction (MILBT), plyometric push-up (PPU), countermovement jump (CJ) and squat jump (SJ). Performance was classified as: ≤ 10th percentile?=?very poor, 11–25th percentile?=?poor, 26–75th percentile?=?regular, 76–90th percentile?=?good and >?90th percentile?=?excellent. Classification relative to body mass [isometric (kg/kg) and power (cm kg)] was as follows: MIHS—very poor: ≤ 0.81; poor: 0.82–0.96; regular: 0.97–1.51; good: 1.52–1.79; excellent: ≥ 1.80, MILT—very poor: ≤ 1.14; poor: 1.15–1.41; regular: 1.41–2.0; good: 2.0–2.5; excellent: ≥ 2.6, MILBT—very poor: ≤ 1.15; poor: 1.16–1.44; regular: 1.45–2.15; good: 2.16–2.62; excellent: ≥ 2.63, MISHT—very poor: ≤ 0.34; poor: 0.35–0.41; regular: 0.42–0.62; good: 0.63–0.73; excellent: ≥ 0.74, PPU—very poor: ≤ 635.4; poor: 635.5–901.9; regular: 902.0–1801.4; good: 1801.5–2369.7; excellent: ≥ 2369.8, SJ—very poor: ≤ 1690.7; poor: 1690.8–1990.3; regular: 1990.4–3387.9; good: 3388.0–4029.4; excellent: ≥ 4029.5 and CJ—very-poor: ≤ 1775.4; poor: 1775.5–2195.4; regular: 2195.5–3667.2; good: 3667.3–4208.3; excellent: ≥ 4208.4. State athletes had lower MISHT (p?=?0.015) than international athletes and lower CJ than national athletes (p?=?0.05). International athletes showed better PPU performance than others (p?<?0.05). MIHS, MISHT and PPU were sensitive to identify differences between competitive level of judo athletes (state, national and international level).     

Correction to: Development of tables for classifying judo athletes according to maximal isometric strength and muscular power,and comparisons between athletes at different competitive levels

Sport Sciences for Health - The original article can be found online.     

Food restriction, performance, psychological state and lipid values in judo athletes.

Dietary intake, plasma lipids, lipoprotein and apolipoprotein levels, anthropometric measurements and anaerobic performance were studied in eleven judo athletes during a period of weight maintenance (T1) and after a 7d food restriction (T2). Dietary data were collected using a 7-day diet record. Nutrient analysis indicated that these athletes followed a low carbohydrate diet whatever the period of the investigation. Moreover, mean micronutrient intakes were below the French recommendations. Food restriction resulted in significant decreases in body weight. In addition, it had significant influence on triglyceride and free fatty acid, although glycerol, total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, apolipoprotein A-1 and B did not alter. Left arm strength and 30 s jumping test decreased significantly. The 7 s jumping test was not affected by the food restriction. Regardless of psychological parameters, tension, anger, fatigue and confusion were significantly elevated from T1 to T2; vigor was significantly lower. The data indicated that a 7-day food restriction adversely affects the physiology and psychology of judo athletes and impairs physical performance, possibly due to inadequate carbohydrate and micronutrients.     

Surgical treatment of ankle instability in athletes.

Eighteen athletes with symptoms of recurrent sprain and instability of the ankle during activity were treated by reconstructing the lateral ligament by the Evans technique. Before the operation 55 per cent had given up all athletic activities because of pain, swelling or instability, and 17 per cent had restricted their activities. The average age at operation was 24.6 years and the average follow-up period 3.1 years. Normal stability was achieved in 67 per cent and improved stability in 11 per cent, but only 33 per cent were still engaged in athletic activities without any complaints from the ankle. The results are similar to other methods of surgical repair.     

Navigational strategies during fast walking: a comparison between trained athletes and non-athletes

Many common activities such as walking in a shopping mall, moving in a busy subway station, or even avoiding opponents during sports, all require different levels of navigational skills. Obstacle circumvention is beginning to be understood across age groups, but studying trained athletes with greater levels of motor ability will further our understanding of skilful adaptive locomotor behavior. The objective of this work was to compare navigational skills during fast walking between elite athletes (e.g. soccer, field hockey, basketball) and aged-matched non-athletes under different levels of environmental complexity in relation to obstacle configuration and visibility. The movements of eight women athletes and eight women non-athletes were measured as they walked as fast as possible through different obstacle courses in both normal and low lighting conditions. Results showed that athletes, despite similar unobstructed maximal speeds to non-athletes, had faster walking times during the navigation of all obstructed environments. It appears that athletes can process visuo-spatial information faster since both groups can make appropriate navigational decisions, but athletes can navigate through complex, novel, environments at greater speeds. Athletes’ walking times were also more affected by the low lighting conditions suggesting that they normally scan the obstructed course farther ahead. This study also uses new objective measures to assess functional locomotor capacity in order to discriminate individuals according to their level of navigational ability. The evaluation paradigm and outcome measures developed may be applicable to the evaluation of skill level in athletic training and selection, as well as in gait rehabilitation following impairment.     

Cardiac autonomic modulation in judo athletes: evaluation by linear and non-linear method

Purpose

The practice of judo is associated with some heart conditions. Some authors suggest cardiac morphometric changes as an increase in diastolic dimension of the left ventricle, interventricular septum and posterior wall thickness of the left ventricle with an improvement in aerobic and anaerobic performance. However, few studies have explored the autonomic modulation by heart rate variability in judo athletes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of judo training 6 months on autonomic modulation analysis, time and frequency domains symbolic.

Methods

The study included 16 young male, 18–25 years of age were recruited from university students through campus ads and divided into two groups: sedentary young males (S; n = 9) and judo (n = 7).

Results

There are no significant differences in age, height, weight, body mass index and heart rate among sedentary groups and judo. During the reporting period, sedentary individuals displayed parameters of the variability of the lower heart rate in the time domain, as SDNN, RMSSD, PNN50 and VarRR, compared with the subjects of judo. As the symbolic analysis it observed greater parasympathetic modulation (2UV) in judo group, compared with the sedentary group. However, no changes were observed in the sympathetic modulation (0V) between the groups.

Conclusions

We conclude that the exclusive practice of judo for 6 months produces autonomic changes, even without contributing to changes in body composition.