| Problem. Lateral ankle sprains and chronic ankle instability are common afflictions among athlete. Unfortunately, many athletes suffer long term consequences despite immediate treatment. One possibility behind these lingering maladies is an anterior fibular fault, where the distal fibular head is pulled forward by the plantarflexion/inversion mechanism and fails to return to its original location. Purpose. This study is designed to test the efficacy of fibular repositioning tape. The taping, similar to the McConnell taping for abnormal patellar tracking, attempts to correct a present fibular fault by providing a posterior force on the distal fibular head. Methods. Participants were collected from college age (18--24) individuals currently attending California University of Pennsylvania. Disqualifying factors for participation included a recent (within the previous six months) lateral ankle injury, prior surgical procedures on the foot or ankle, and any conditions which could result in their injury during data collection. The effects of the taping were measured via total distance scores collected from a star excursion balance test. Data was collected and analyzed to test the effects of both fibular repositioning tape and closed basketweave taping on both total distance score and specific directions. Findings. This data was analyzed via SPSS statistical software with a repeated measures analysis of variance. Following analysis, it was determined that there was no significant difference between the untaped control and either taping condition. Given these results and the current lack of informative data regarding fibular repositioning tape, further research is certainly needed. |
