The Effects of Lower Leg Kinesio Taping on Ankle Proprioception, Static and Dynamic Balance in Athletes with Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome

Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS) is an injury caused by vigorous exercise along the posterior medial part of the tibia. Kinesio Taping (KT) has emerged as a preferred approach for the management of MTSS due to its non-invasive, minimal discomfort, less time-consuming, and lower side effects. It has been used as a therapeutic tool in prevention and rehabilitation protocols. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of lower leg KT on ankle proprioception, static and dynamic balance in athletes suffering from MTSS. Thirty-two male athletes (۲۰ – ۳۲ years old) with MTSS participated in this study. They were randomly divided into two experimental (KT) and control (placebo) groups. The way athletes entered the study was based on the leg pain questionnaire based on Yates and White criteria. Measurement tools included a universal goniometer, a single-leg stance test, and a Y-balance test. Ankle proprioception, static and dynamic balance were measured in both groups before and after ۲۴ hours of use of lower leg KT. The results showed that lower leg KT was effective in improving the ankle proprioception of dorsiflexion and plantar flexion, static and dynamic balance in athletes with MTSS and the difference between the experimental and control groups in all study variables was significant. Based on the findings of this study, it can be suggested that athletes with MTSS use lower leg KT to enhance their proprioception and balance, which could lead to improved performance.

Keywords:

Shin splints , Overuse injury , kinesio tape , Proprioception , Balance