Combined Effects of Balance Training and Taping in People With Functional Ankle Instability.

Ankle sprains account for approximately 85% of lower extremity injuries. Ankle sprains are often incorrectly considered to be harmless injuries with no lasting consequences, but in fact, reduced physical activity, patient reported disability, increased symptoms and risk of re-injury and recurrent injury are all commonly reported months and sometimes even years after the first sprain. Close to 70% of those who have suffered an ankle sprain develop ankle instability or "giving way" of the ankle during functional activities . There is also evidence suggesting that repetitive ankle sprains are a risk factor for ankle osteoarthritis. The initial injury may result in 2 types of dysfunctions, mechanical instability or functional instability, this influences the outcome by resulting in either i) recovery from the acute sprain or ii) development of chronic instability.

Functional Ankle Instability [FAI], refers to the sensorimotor and neurological deficits that accompany ligamentous injury. Functional Ankle Instability is used to describe the feeling of their ankle giving way, being more painful and being weaker specifically while performing some activity, compared to before the injury. Functional Ankle Instability has been difficult to measure reliably, until recently. Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool is a 9-item 30-point scale developed specifically to measure the severity of Functional Ankle Instability. The CAIT tool has an 83% sensitivity and 75% specificity . In the acute stage, use of the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) protocol is recommended to decrease edema, followed by electro modalities such as electrostimulation, ultrasonic therapy, massage, and manual therapy to decrease pain and speed functional recovery .

The essence of evidence-based practice lies in the effectiveness of the treatment that is being provided. Balance training is one such practice currently being used in patients with Functional Ankle Instability [3]. Balance training has been hypothesized to work by activating the mechanoreceptors present in the joint capsule and ligaments of the ankle, which in turn increases the sensory output . These Balance exercises are also found to improve proprioception and thereby improve performance and a sense of stability in individuals with FAI. In addition to these exercises, various external supports are available that help reduce the instability, such as Kinesiotape, brace and much more. Kinesiotape is a cotton strip that is compatible with the skin and is able to stretch up-to 140% its original length. It is a low cost, conveniently accessible tool that can be used to treat various conditions as well as facilitate muscle activity, provide joint stability, postural control and improve physical performance .

Some of the authors have suggested that KT works because of its ability to increase the number of motor units recruited in the muscle. The skin folds due to the increased nature of its elasticity, resulting in increased space below the skin improving circulation and lymphatic drainage. KT has shown improvement in static balance as measured using Balance Error Scoring System . However, there is contradicting and highly inconsistent literature on the effectiveness of KT in improving proprioception, balance Range of Motion in people with Functional ankle instability .

There have been some studies that have focused on the effects of KT and balance exercises on postural control and balance in athletic population . Most of these studies have focused on athletes in organized sports, leaving out the remainder of the population, majority of whom are recreational players. Consequently, there is a need for more research in this population as these are the people who most often do not undergo any type of sports specific training or get any type of rehabilitation post-injury. These are the people who ignore their injuries and its symptoms simply because they do not have the time or sometimes, the money to avail proper rehabilitation due to their hectic work life.

Therefore, this study focuses on the immediate effects of KT combined with balance training on balance and proprioception in the non-athletic, recreational sports population. This following study is also being conducted to see if the combination of KT and Balance training can be used as a stopgap treatment strategy before a session of recreational sport activity.