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ASSESSING THE EFFECTS OF ANKLE TAPING ON DORSIFLEXION AND STABILITY IN FIGURE SKATERS

Abstract

Competitive figure skating has seen an increase in taping the ankles of skates to better stabilize the boot. This method may also prolong the duration of the boot as it loses stability with time. However, the effect of circumferential ankle tape on ankle kinematics has not been substantiated. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of circumferential ankle taping (CT) compared to a boot with no tape (NT) on lower extremity kinematics during a single leg glide (SLG) and maximum ankle dorsiflexion (ADF). METHODS: A convenience sample of figure skaters with their own skates and at least 1 year of experience (n=9, age: 16.33 yrs ± 6.519, height: 154.4 cm ± 13.28, mass: 53.02 kg ± 20.92) were recruited. Nine inertial measurement sensors were placed on the lower extremities to analyze maximum ADF and lower extremity kinematics. Maximum ADF was evaluated using a weight bearing lunge test (WBLT). The WBLT was performed in a 90/90 kneeling position and participants were asked to shift their weight as far forward as they could over their lead skate, keeping the blade on the ground. Lower extremity kinematics were evaluated during a single leg glide (SLG) on synthetic ice. Participants took 4 pushes for speed before bending their non weight bearing knee and gliding as far as possible, maintaining stability. Joint kinematics during the glide were assessed at peak knee flexion of the non-weight bearing leg. CT intervention included a primary layer of plastic wrap to protect the boot material, followed by duct tape circumferentially wrapped three times with ankle compression. Differences between NT and CT conditions were assessed with paired t-tests with critical threshold for significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Taping of skates demonstrated no statistical significance on the maximum degree of ADF between CT and NT (CT: 34.3 ± 7.8°, NT: 36.0 ± 10.1°, p=0.25) during the WBLT. Assessment of the SLG reached but did not exceed a significant reduction in hip adduction (CT: 0.2 ± 3.9°, NT: 2.8 ± 4.7°, p = 0.05) and had a large effect size (d=0.75). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicated there was a moderate improvement in stability through the hip joint with CT rather than NT in the SLG. However, the CT did not restrict maximum ADF. Figure skaters and coaches should be cautious about expecting improved stability or limited ROM by applying a CT application.

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