29th Annual Student Research Conference
Effectiveness of Added Ankle Stabilization Using Prophylactic Ankle Taping on Balance of Collegiate Athletes
Mackenzie R. Snyder
Ms. Michelle Boyd, Faculty Mentor
Prophylactic ankle taping is a preventative measure used regularly by athletes. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of prophylactic ankle taping on balance. Varsity football players (n=13) completed two Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) tests in a randomized order: one utilizing standard prophylactic ankle taping and the other untaped. BESS test errors were recorded for each position and overall errors. There was a significant increase in errors in taped trials (p=.05). Participants who completed a taped trial followed by an untaped trial scored significantly fewer total errors than participants who were assigned the opposite order (p=.02). Prophylactic ankle taping is not an effective method of balance improvement. The taped condition produced more errors. Although ankle tape may add stability, it may decrease range of motion and not allow the ankle to make small adjustments required to maintain balance.
Keywords: Balance, Prophylactic Ankle Taping
Topic(s):Athletic Training
Exercise Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 7-2
Location: GEO-SUB
Time: 3:30