The Effect of Kinesio Tapping and Neuromuscular Exercises on Balance, Function and Pain in Basketball players with Ankle Instability

 Aims and background: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of kinesio tapping with neuromuscular exercises on the balance, performance and pain intensity of basketball players with ankle instability. Materials and Methods: The population was all female basketball players within the age range of 22 to 30 years old in Pakdasht City. 30 participants with chronic ankle instability were selected by convenience sampling methods by G-Power software based on research criteria and they were randomly divided into two groups of 15 (experimental and control groups). Next, all specimens were taken the pretest for static and dynamic balance, three single leg jumps performance, The star Excursion Balance Test, lateral jump performance and pain intensity through standard questionnaire and tests. The experimental group received 8 weeks of kinesio taping with selective neuromuscular exercises. The control group did not receive any specific exercises. Finally, all the specimens were taken post-test and the data were analyzed by statistical tests such as Shapiro-Wilk Test and the analysis of MANCOVA SPSS21 at the significance level of α=0.05. Results: The present study results showed that 8 weeks of kinesio taping with neuromuscular exercises, has a positively significant effect on the variables including lateral jump performance, three single leg jumps performance, pain intensity, figure 8, and the static and dynamic balance of basketball players with chronic ankle instability (P=0.002). Conclusion: Regarding the results of this research, it is recommended that athletes with the same disorder, and especially basketball players with ankle instability use kinesio taping with neuromuscular exercises in training period during exercises, in championship, and in their health and rehabilitation protocols.