Influence of Ankle Taping on Varus-valgus and Internal-external Rotation Movements of Knee Joint During Footwork Exercises

In order to identify the influence of ankle taping on knee joint motion during various footwork exercises, three-dimensional movement analysis was performed. Ten healthy volunteers (5 men and 5 women) participated in this study. Testing exercises were 1) half-squat exercise, 2) half-squat exercise with the heels up, 3) twisting exercise, 4) carioca step exercise. Ankle taping was applied using a Fan-shape spiral technique. During these exercises, knee rotation pattern was recorded and maximal varus-valgus and internal-external rotation angles were used for data analysis. The results showed there were no significant differences of varus-valgus angles and internal-external rotation angles of the knee between with and without ankle taping during half-squat exercise and twisting exercise. On the other hand, ankle taping significantly increased valgus and external rotation angles of the knee during half-squat exercise with the heels up and external rotation angle during carioca step exercise, and significantly decreased varus and internal rotation angles of the knee during carioca step exercise. Therefore, the ankle taping might have influenced on knee joint motion during these exercise, especially more dynamic exercise such as carioca step exercise.