Efficacy of an Innovative Kinesiotaping Bandage Compared to Traditional Tape in Stabilising Ankle Inversion and Plantar Flexion in Triathletes.

Summary

Efficacy of an Innovative Kinesiotaping Bandage Compared to Traditional Tape in Stabilising Ankle Inversion and Plantar Flexion in Triathletes: A Triple-Blind Experimental Study.

Background and Purpose:

Lateral ankle sprains are a common injury among triathletes, impacting their performance and recovery time. Although traditional functional tape is effective in stabilising the ankle joint, it has limitations in aquatic sports due to its lack of water resistance. This study will evaluate the efficacy of an innovative kinesiotaping (KT) bandage, designed to combine water resistance with the restrictive properties of traditional tape. The primary objective will be to determine which type of bandage is more effective in stabilising ankle inversion and plantar flexion in triathletes.

Study Design:

This will be a triple-blind experimental study involving 20 federated triathletes. Each participant will have three different bandages (traditional tape, innovative KT, and placebo) applied in a randomised order. Goniometric and functional tests will be used to measure the outcomes.

Interventions:

Traditional Tape: Standard restrictive bandage. Innovative KT Bandage: Elastic, water-resistant bandage with additional restrictive properties.

Placebo: Gauze bandage without stabilising properties.

Methods of Evaluation:

Goniometric measurements (flexion, inversion) and functional tests (Star Excursion Balance Test, Hopping Test, Vertical Jump Test) will be conducted. The bandages will be applied and evaluated in a controlled environment, with participants and investigators blinded to the type of bandage.

Expected Outcomes:

It is anticipated that the innovative KT bandage will provide stabilisation comparable to traditional tape for critical ankle movements while overcoming the limitations of tape in aquatic conditions. It is also expected to demonstrate significant advantages in functional tests.

Clinical Relevance:

This study aims to provide evidence for optimising the management of ankle injuries in triathletes, offering a practical and effective solution to maintain athletic performance under demanding conditions.

Conditions

• Athletes

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Innovative Kinesiotaping Bandage Group

This group will receive an innovative kinesiotaping bandage developed specifically for this study. The kinesiotape will be applied directly to the skin on the ankle, combining water resistance with restrictive properties to stabilise the joint while maintaining flexibility. Unlike traditional tape, the kinesiotape is designed to perform well in aquatic conditions, making it suitable for triathlon demands. It provides joint support while allowing a greater range of motion, aiming to enhance performance across all phases of the sport. To maintain blinding, the bandage will also be covered with an opaque stocking.

BEHAVIORAL

Traditional Tape Bandage Group

Participants in this group will receive a traditional ankle bandage using functional tape. The bandage is applied directly to the skin and is designed to restrict ankle inversion and plantar flexion, providing stability to prevent recurrent injuries. Traditional tape bandages are widely used in sports due to their effective joint stabilisation. However, they have significant limitations in aquatic environments as they lack water resistance, which makes them less effective during the swimming phase of triathlons. The bandage will be covered with an opaque stocking to ensure blinding, preventing participants or evaluators from identifying the type of intervention.

BEHAVIORAL

Placebo Bandage Group

Participants in this group will receive a placebo bandage consisting of a simple gauze wrap applied directly to the ankle. The gauze lacks stabilising or therapeutic properties and is used as a control to account for potential placebo effects. Although it mimics the application process of the other bandages, it does not provide functional or structural support to the ankle joint. An opaque stocking will cover the gauze to ensure that neither participants nor evaluators can distinguish the placebo bandage from the others, maintaining the integrity of the blinding process.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Vigo

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

TRIPLE

Model

CROSSOVER

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

MALE

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-11-27

Primary Completion

2024-12-08

Completion

2025-01-30

Countries

• Spain

Study Locations