Ankle sprains, particularly lateral ankle sprains, are among the most prevalent musculoskeletal injuries encountered in both athletic and non-athletic populations, accounting for nearly 85% of all ankle injuries (1). These injuries frequently result in pain, swelling, restricted range of motion, and compromised postural control, leading to functional impairment and a high risk of recurrence if not properly managed (2,3). Standard treatment protocols include rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), alongside physiotherapy interventions aimed at reducing pain and restoring mobility (4).

Kinesiology taping (KT) has emerged as a popular adjunct therapeutic approach in the rehabilitation of soft tissue injuries. It involves the application of an elastic, adhesive tape designed to support and stabilize muscles and joints without restricting range of motion (5). The proposed mechanisms of KT include improved proprioception, enhanced blood and lymphatic circulation, pain reduction through neuromuscular facilitation, and mechanical support (6,7).

Several studies have investigated the benefits of KT in ankle sprains, suggesting its potential to improve balance, reduce swelling, and decrease pain (8,9). However, existing evidence remains inconclusive, with some trials reporting limited or no functional improvement (10,11). Moreover, few randomized controlled trials have explored the short-term effects of KT in acute lateral ankle sprains during the early recovery phase.

Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of kinesiology taping on pain relief and functional performance in individuals with acute lateral ankle sprain using validated outcome measures.

Study Design and Participants:

A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 60 participants diagnosed with acute grade I or II lateral ankle sprain within 72 hours of injury. The inclusion criteria were individuals aged between 18 and 35 years, with no history of previous ankle surgery, fractures, or neurological deficits. Participants with systemic conditions affecting healing, skin allergies to tape, or concurrent lower limb injuries were excluded.

Randomization and Group Allocation:

Participants were randomly assigned into two equal groups (n = 30 each) using a computer-generated random number table. Group A received kinesiology taping in addition to conventional physiotherapy, while Group B received only conventional physiotherapy. Allocation concealment was ensured using sealed opaque envelopes, and outcome assessors were blinded to the intervention.

Intervention Protocol:

Both groups received standard physiotherapy, including cryotherapy, range of motion exercises, and proprioceptive training, administered for 30 minutes daily over a two-week period. In Group A, kinesiology taping was applied by a certified therapist using the mechanical correction and ligament technique. The tape was reapplied every 3–4 days or earlier if detached.

Outcome Measures:

Pain intensity was measured using the 10-point Visual Analog Scale (VAS), where 0 represented no pain and 10 represented the worst pain imaginable. Functional ability was assessed using the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT), a validated 30-point questionnaire, and dynamic postural control was evaluated using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) in three directions—anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral. Measurements were recorded at baseline (day 0) and after the 14-day intervention.

Statistical Analysis:

Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Descriptive statistics were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Intragroup comparisons were made using paired t-tests, while intergroup comparisons were analyzed using independent t-tests. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

All 60 participants completed the study without adverse events. Baseline characteristics such as age, gender distribution, and initial VAS and CAIT scores were comparable between the two groups (p > 0.05).

Following the 2-week intervention period, significant improvements were observed in both groups; however, the group receiving kinesiology taping (Group A) demonstrated superior outcomes in pain reduction and functional performance.

Pain Intensity (VAS):

Group A showed a notable decrease in mean VAS score from 7.2 ± 1.1 to 2.6 ± 0.9, while Group B reduced from 7.1 ± 1.3 to 4.1 ± 1.2. The between-group comparison revealed a statistically significant difference in post-treatment scores (p < 0.01) (Table 1).

Functional Performance (CAIT):

The CAIT score in Group A increased significantly from 14.3 ± 2.5 to 24.1 ± 2.0. Group B showed improvement from 14.1 ± 2.7 to 20.3 ± 2.4. Post-intervention intergroup difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05) (Table 1).

Dynamic Balance (SEBT):

Group A demonstrated greater improvements in all three directions of the SEBT. The anterior reach improved from 61.2 ± 4.3 cm to 72.1 ± 4.0 cm, posteromedial from 62.4 ± 3.9 cm to 75.6 ± 4.5 cm, and posterolateral from 60.8 ± 3.5 cm to 74.3 ± 3.8 cm. Group B also improved but to a lesser extent (p < 0.05 for all directions) (Table 2).

Table 1. Comparison of VAS and CAIT Scores Between Groups

Table 2. SEBT Score Improvements in Both Groups

These findings indicate that kinesiology taping, when used in conjunction with physiotherapy, enhances both pain relief and functional recovery more effectively than physiotherapy alone.

The present study evaluated the short-term effectiveness of kinesiology taping (KT) combined with physiotherapy on pain relief and functional performance in individuals with acute lateral ankle sprain. Our findings demonstrated that the KT group showed significantly greater improvements in pain reduction, balance, and ankle function compared to the group that received physiotherapy alone.

Pain relief was significantly more pronounced in the KT group, as evidenced by the larger reduction in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores. This aligns with previous studies suggesting that KT may alleviate pain through sensory stimulation and gate control mechanisms, thereby modulating afferent input and decreasing nociceptive transmission (1,2). The elastic properties of KT also help reduce pressure on pain receptors and improve lymphatic flow, contributing to early pain relief and swelling reduction (3,4).

Functional performance, as measured by the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) and Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), also improved significantly in the KT group. Enhanced proprioception and neuromuscular facilitation associated with KT may explain these results (5,6). Similar improvements in balance and postural control were reported in trials involving KT application in patients with chronic ankle instability (7,8). By stimulating cutaneous mechanoreceptors, KT enhances joint position sense, thus promoting motor control and functional recovery (9).

The improvement in SEBT scores across all directions reflects better dynamic balance and coordination in the KT group. These findings are consistent with the observations of Lee et al. (10), who reported enhanced reach distance following KT application in young athletes with ankle instability. Furthermore, the improved CAIT scores support the notion that KT contributes positively to perceived ankle stability, as documented in recent trials (11,12).

Despite these encouraging results, some studies have questioned the efficacy of KT, attributing observed benefits to placebo effects or patient expectations (13). For instance, Poon et al. found no significant improvement in muscle performance with KT, emphasizing the need for cautious interpretation (14). Nevertheless, when integrated as an adjunct to standard rehabilitation, KT appears to facilitate early return to activity and greater confidence during weight-bearing exercises (15).

This study had several strengths, including randomized design, blinding of outcome assessors, and use of validated tools. However, limitations include a short follow-up period and lack of biomechanical assessments. Future research with longer follow-up and incorporation of imaging or electromyographic analysis may further elucidate the underlying mechanisms of KT.

Kinesiology taping, when combined with standard physiotherapy, significantly reduces pain and enhances functional performance in acute lateral ankle sprain patients. It serves as an effective adjunct in early rehabilitation, promoting quicker recovery and improved balance.

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