Short-term effect of spiral taping on the pain and walking performance of individuals with chronic ankle instability

[Purpose] This study was designed to investigate the effects of spiral taping (ST) on the pain and walking performance of individual with chronic ankle instability (CAI). [Subjects and Methods] 12 men and 13 women (mean: 21.52 years; range: 20-31 years) with unilateral CAI (Cumberland ankle instability score: ≤24) were included. All the participants received 3 mm-wide ST. The latter was applied in a 3 × 4 cross shape onto the medial malleolus, the lateral malleolus, and the anterior talotibial joint of the unstable ankle. The pain and walking performance were measured on the visual analogue scale (VAS) and with a timed up and go test (TUGT) at the baseline and 30 minutes after the intervention. [Results] VAS and TUGT scores were significantly improved after application of the ST. [Conclusion] The results indicated that ST can improve the pain and walking performance of CAI individuals.