The influence of ankle taping on changes in postural stability during soccer-specific activity.
BACKGROUND
Postural stability diminishes with longer activity, which may increase the risk of injury. Tape can increase stability, but this effect diminishes after exercise.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the influence of ankle taping on postural stability during soccer-specific activity.


METHODS
10 male, injury-free, semiprofessional soccer players.


METHODS
A 45-min treadmill protocol replicating the activity profile of soccer match play--with and without ankle tape. Postural stability was assessed every 7.5 min, requiring response to sudden ankle plantar flexion and inversion during single-leg stance.


METHODS
Reaction time to perturbation and center-of-gravity (CoG) displacement.


RESULTS
Reaction time was significantly longer (P < .05) with longer exercise for both movements and conditions. No significant effect was evident in CoG displacement. For both outcome measures a nonsignificant benefit of taping was observed during the first 22.5 min of activity.


CONCLUSIONS
Prolonged exposure to soccer-specific activity negates any beneficial effect of taping in improving postural stability.
Lohkamp
Monika
M
Dept of Sport, Health, and Exercise Science, University of Hull, Hull, UK.
Craven
Simon
S
Walker-Johnson
Colin
C
Greig
Matt
M
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000502:physiology; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D055052:Athletic Tape; D005080:Exercise Test; D017079:Exercise Tolerance; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018763:Muscle Fatigue / Q000502:physiology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology; D004856:Postural Balance; D011930:Reaction Time; D012916:Soccer / Q000293:injuries / Q000502:physiology*