Graduation Term

2017

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

School of Kinesiology and Recreation

Committee Chair

Justin Stanek

Committee Member

Todd McLoda

Abstract

Context: A closed basket-weave ankle tape application is commonly used by healthcare professionals in order to give support to the athlete’s ankle during activity. This closed basket-weave ankle tape is used to prevent the ankle joint from going into excessive plantarflexion and inversion. Previous research has demonstrated traditional ankle taping techniques, with the ankle in a dorsiflexed position, reduces range of motion at the ankle. Due to the extreme demands placed on the ankle during dancing, which often requires the dancer to place the ankle in a maximally plantarflexed position, it is unclear how taping in this position affects range of motion or dynamic performance. Objective: The purpose of this study is to identify whether taping an ankle in a neutral position, rather than a dorsiflexed position, will provide the similar range of motion restraints, while not hindering jump performance. Design: This was an assessor-blinded, crossover study to assess the difference in taping position and its effect on ankle range of motion, and ground reaction force at the ankle. Participants: Participants were recruited from the Dance Performance undergraduate program at the host institution. Inclusion criteria included dancers with no history of ankle injury within the past 6 months, no history of surgery on the ankle joint in the past 12 months. Participants also needed to have five or more years of experience in either ballet, modern, or jazz. Interventions: The independent variables assessed are the application of a closed basket-weave ankle tape with the ankle in a dorsiflexed position and in a neutral “relaxed” position. Main Outcome Measures: The dependent variables assessed are range of motion measurements immediately after tape application and ground reaction force during a bipedal vertical jump while taped in each condition. Results: There was statistical significance in range of motion between no-tape and the taped conditions. No significant difference was found in range of motion between the two tape conditions. No significant difference in ground reaction force between all conditions. Conclusions: The positioning of the foot, whether it be dorsiflexed or neutral, does not jump performance and restricts range of motion similarly when applying a closed basket-weave ankle tape. Word Count: 353

Access Type

Thesis-Open Access

DOI

http://doi.org/10.30707/ETD2017.Anderson.E

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Kinesiology Commons

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