Extended Use of Kinesiology Tape and Balance in Participants With Chronic Ankle Instability

Context:  Participants with chronic ankle instability (CAI) have been shown to have balance deficits related to decreased proprioception and neuromuscular control. Kinesiology tape (KT) has been proposed to have many benefits, including increased proprioception. Objective:  To determine if KT can help with balance deficits associated with CAI. Design:  Cohort study. Setting:  Research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants:  Thirty participants with CAI were recruited for this study. Intervention(s):  Balance was assessed using the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS). Participants were pretested and then randomly assigned to either the control or KT group. The participants in the KT group had 4 strips applied to the foot and lower leg and were instructed to leave the tape on until they returned for testing. All participants returned 48 hours later for another BESS assessment. The tape was then removed, and all participants returned 72 hours later to complete the final BESS assessment. Main Outcome Mea...