OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of Kinesio Taping on ankle functional performance with that of other taping methods (non-elastic taping) in healthy individuals and patients with ankle sprain. METHODS: A search was performed in electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) for studies published up to 31 March 2018 using the following keywords: ankle, Kinesio Taping, KT, and tape. Studies on ankle functional performance were selected, and data on Star Excursion Balance Test results, vertical jump height, and range of motion were extracted. Meta-analyses (where appropriate and possible) using either fixed or random effects model, standardized mean differences, and tests of heterogeneity were performed. RESULTS: Ten studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The Star Excursion Balance Test results indicated that Kinesio Taping was superior to other taping methods (placebo taping or tension-free taping). The mean difference was 3.2 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84 to 5.59, I2 = 5%, p = 0.008). In studies in which vertical jump height was measured, a negative effect was observed for other taping methods (athletic taping or placebo taping), but not for Kinesio Taping (mean difference 1.06, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.93, I2 = 15%, p = 0.02). Both Kinesio Taping and common taping had no significant effect on range of motion, with no differences between these methods (I2 = 0%, p = 0.80). CONCLUSION: Kinesio Taping is superior to other taping methods (athletic taping) in ankle functional performance improvement.

Full text (sometimes free) may be available at these link(s):      help

• DOI
• PubMed
• PDF locator
• publisher