Acute effects of distal fibular taping technique on pain, balance and forward lunge activities in Chronic Ankle Instability.

Background: Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI) is characterized by altered muscle activation, reduced range of motion (ROM) and balance deficits.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether fibular taping technique influenced the pain intensity, dorsiflexion ROM and dynamic balance in participants with CAI.

Methods: Twenty-six participants (16 males and 10 females; age 28.8 ± 5.74 y) with unilateral CAI who scored 85 points or less on the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) were included in our study. Mulligan distal fibular taping technique was applied. Visual Analog Scale, Star Excursion Balance Test in anterior, posteromedial and posterolateral directions and a Weight Bearing Lunge Test were taken before, after, 1 hour after and 24 hours after taping.

Results: Distal fibular taping technique decreases pain intensity (at rest, during range of motion and weight bearing conditions), while it increases forward lunge distance and reach distance in anterior, posteromedial and posterolateral directions (p= 0.001).

Conclusions: Our study showed that distal fibular taping reduces pain intensity, postural control and dorsiflexion range of motion in individuals with CAI. Further studies are needed with participants with a lower functional level and a higher pain intensity.