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.