The effects of spatting and ankle taping on inversion before and after exercise.

OBJECTIVE To compare the effects of spatting, taping and spatting, taping, and not taping on the amount and rate of inversion of the ankle before and after exercise. DESIGN AND SETTING We filmed subjects at 60 Hz while they stood on a platform that suddenly inverted the right ankle. Five trials were measured before and after a 30-minute period of drills. SUBJECTS We tested 15 male rugby players with no history of lower-leg injury within the previous 6 months limiting activity for more than 2 days. MEASUREMENTS The amount and rate of inversion in the four conditions were digitized and analyzed. RESULTS The combination of spatting and taping was the most effective in reducing inversion rate and range of motion before and after exercise. CONCLUSIONS All three taping treatments were effective in reducing the amount and rate of inversion. Exercise loosened the tape, but there may be a functional restriction of the amount and rate of inversion after exercise.