The Immediate Effect of Kinesiotape and Wobble Board Training on Ankle Joint Position Sense in Athletes with Functional Ankle Instability

Abstract

Ankle sprain is one of the most common injuries during a physical activity, which may lead to instability and affect athletes' performance. The present study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of kinesiotape and wobble balance board trainings on ankle joint position sense of individuals with Functional Ankle Instability (FAI). A total of 48 male athletes with FAI voluntarily participated in this study and were stratified into four groups including kinesiotape, wobble board, combined, and control groups. The pre-test was performed by Position sense at angles of (Plantarflexion 10°and 30°) using a gyroscope. Following the intervention, the post-test was taken from the subjects. Four-way repeated measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by the post hoc analysis with Bonferroni's test was conducted to compare the groups. In addition, paired sample t test was used to assess the intragroup variable. The results indicated statistically significant differences in applying immediate kinesiotape, wobble board training, and the combination of the two methods in 10 ° and 30 ° of plantar flexion (p≤0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the practice groups (p≥0.05). Based on the findings, one-session exercises by wobble board and kinesiotape, as well as the combination of taping and wobble board could be considered as an effective intervention for preventing and reducing injury separately. However, no significant difference was observed among the three training programs.