Therapeutic effects of kinesio tape on a grade-i lateral ankle sprain in athletes

Study Objectives: To determine if there are therapeutic effects of Kinesio tape on a grade I lateral ankle sprain, using an ASO as the control group. Design: comparative study. Setting: Subjects were taken from 9 different high schools in 2 sister counties Methods: All 25 subjects are athletes, who suffered a grade I lateral ankle sprain. 12 athletes were in the Kinesio tape group and 13 of the athletes were in the ASO brace group (control group). Outcome Measure: Single Leg Stance, Single Leg Squat, Single leg Hop, Box Drill , and the Illinois Test, at each of the three sessions 0, 4, and 8 weeks. Result: The result of the study shows that there was no significant difference between the Kinesio tape group and the ASO ankle brace group when it came to pain level, single leg hop for distance, the box drill or the Illinois test, when tested at three different times; week 0, week 4, and week 8. However, results showed that there was a significant difference between the two groups on the single leg squat test. It was determined that the control group also known as the ASO ankle brace group, were able to perform more squats at week 4 and week 8, than the treatment groups also known as the Kinesio Tape group. Conclusion: The finding of present study supports that both the Kinesio Tape and the ASO ankle brace are useful therapeutic methods when dealing with a grade I lateral ankle sprain. Athletic Trainers and Physical Therapists alike can use either tool in treating and rehabilitating a grade I lateral ankle sprain.