PRINCIPLES OF SPORTS TAPING

1. PRINCIPLES OF SPORTS TAPING

2. CONTENTS • Definition of Taping • Uses of Taping • Principles of application • Effectiveness and evaluation • Practical application

3. Definition of Taping Application of adhesive tape (elastic or non-elastic) to: • provide support & protection to soft tissues and joints, and • to minimize swelling and pain after injury Can be used: immediately following injury during rehabilitation e.g. chondromalacia patellae prophylactic measure e.g. training and competition

4. Sound knowledge of anatomy, joint & tissue mechanics thorough assessment & diagnosis Injury mechanics specific to the sport Taping Principles

5. Is an adjunct to the total injury careNot a substitution for treatment & rehabilitation

6. Effects of Taping • Mechanical • limits & controls joint movement • limits stretching of soft tissues • compression to oedematous area • maintains desirable alignment

7. Physiological •  proprioception • prevents & limits swelling • relax protective muscle spasm • ‘physiological rest’ •  rate of tissue repair

8. Therapeutic •  pain •  muscle spasm • maintains optional functional ability •  risk of further injury/ irritation •  risk of permanent deformity Psychological

9. Types of Tapes • Occlusive vs. Porus - Rubber-based tapes - Acrylate tapes • Elastic vs. Non-elastic - Elastic tape - for compression and generally ineffective as a support material - Non-elastic tape - for stability & protection from further mechanical damage

10. Non-elastic tape support structures like ligament, joint capsule limit joint movement protect vs. re-injury not for compression Elastic tape compress & support soft tissues like muscles provide compression ineffective as a support material Not for first aid use (compression too severe)

11. Elastic tape Hamstring Strain

12. Lateral Ligament Sprain Non-elastic tape

13. A-C joint sprain

14. Turf Toes

15. RULE OF THUMB tape in the direction that will shorten injured structures Principles of Application Consider: • Area to be supported • movement to be limited • functional status • modification needed? • assess & analyse

16. Application procedures • wash the part • remove hair (prewrap) • check skin condition (blisters, skin irritation, minor wounds) • orthopaedic felt (bony prominence) • do not use limb as anchor to pull tape off • even overall pressure

17. Basic Taping Applications • Anchor Tape • Stirrup / U tape • Spur / Lateral U / Gibney • Locking tape • Heel lock

18. overlap 1/2 - 2/3 of previous turn not over inflammatory or infectious skin conditions remove strapping: snubbed nose scissors never pull at right angles to the skin or rip off violently!

20. Problems in Sports Taping • Wrong application? • Not enough support • Contraindications? (Open skin, infection, tape allergy) • Signs: circulatory signs, discomfort, skin laceration, blisters, allergic skin reaction • Other problems: hinder application of other treatment or performance, psychological dependence, tapes are expensive!

21. Evaluation of the effectiveness of taping • Is it effective in reducing the injury incidence? • Is it effective after a long period of exercise? • Does it influence performance? • Does it lead to reduction in symptoms? • Is taping superior to bracing or cast immobilisation?

22. Is it effective in reducing the injury incidence? Two review studies • Verhagen et al. (2000) • Quinn et al. (2000) – Cochrane Review

23. Critical review Verhagen et al. (2000) • 8 studies included • Taping  incidence of sprains and results in less severe sprains • Brace seems to be more effective in athletes with previous ankle sprains

24. Meta-analysis • Quinn et al (2000) • Meta-analysis on the use of external ankle support towards prevention of ankle injuries

25. Meta-analysis • “Beneficial effect of external ankle supports in the form of semirigid or air-cast braces to prevent lateral ligament injury in high risk sporting activities.” • Subjects with previous history of ankle sprain may have risk reduced by wearing such supports

26. Meta-analysis The effect should be taken in the light of: • baseline risk of the injury in the activity, • previous injury status • any possible or perceived loss of performance • supply and cost of the supportive device

27. Is it effective after a long period of exercise? Greene & Hillman (1990) • Compare athletic taping vs. semirigid orthosis inv./ev. restriction before, during & after 3 hour volleyball practice • n = 14 Results: • Maximum reduction in joint restriction due to taping (both inv. & ev.) occurred 20’ after exercise • orthosis - only eversion was compromised (? More effective)

28. Does it influence performance? Burks et al (1991) • analysis of athletic performance with prophylactic ankle devices •  performance when ankles are taped • ankle taping  performance in vertical jump, shuttle run & sprint •  performance in brace is minor

29. Does it lead to reduction in symptoms? Cushnaghan et al (1994) • Medial taping of the patella provides short term pain relief in patients with PFJ OA Kowall et al (1996) • Efficacy of taping PFJ pain • no beneficial effect in the addition of taping to standard PT treatment

30. Is taping superior to bracing or cast immobilisation? Braakman et al (1998) • 5th MTP fracture • functional taping vs. cast immobilisation • Functional recovery: mobility, power grip, pulling strengths and torque strengths • functional taping showed earlier functional recovery (1 & 4 wks)