Three-dimensional kinematics of the taped ankle before and after exercise.

The practice of prophylactic ankle taping or wrapping to reduce the incidence of inversion ankle sprains in athletes has come under attack. The purpose of this study was to measure objectively one ankle taping technique's ability to withstand the stresses placed upon it by a standardized exercise routine. Electrogoniometers were used to measure the three-dimensional ankle motion of 20 subjects walking on a level surface and a 10 degrees sideslope. The evaluations were carried out under these three conditions: (1) both ankles untaped, (2) both ankles taped before exercises, and (3) both ankles taped after exercise. The results from this study indicate that the tape does indeed restrict those motions associated with inversion ankle sprain. Methods similar to those described in this study could be used in the evaluation of many current training room practices and thereby provide an objective rationale for their application.