An exploratory study on the acute effects of proprioceptive exercise and/or neuromuscular taping on balance performance

Background: This study aimed at investigating the acute effects of combined EXERCISE and TAPING in comparison to isolated proprioceptive exercise (EXERCISE) and ankle neuromuscular taping (TAPING) on one-leg stability performance in rugby players. Methods: Stability tests, performed on a stabilometric platform, were assessed for stability before and after above interventions. Performed stability tests were one-leg static stance (dominant leg and non-dominant leg) each with eyes open and eyes closed. The assessed dependent variables were: centre of pressure (CoP) path length; CoP speed; medio-lateral, and anterior-posterior sway. Sixteen male rugby players (27.3 ± 3.3 years; 177.3 ± 7.3 cm; 88.8 ± 15.2 kg) from a non-professional rugby team were tested in all above conditions, according to a cross-over study design. Results: Most of investigated variables improved following EXERCISE + TAPING (CoP path length-18.2/-15.6%, CoP speed-22.8/-17.7%, and anterior-posterior sway-21.0/-16.3%), in comparison with the other two protocols. EXERCISE + TAPING improved the stability control by combining the effects of both proprioceptive exercise and neuromuscular taping. Conclusions: Such findings could suggest the benefits of planning long-term strategies using EXERCISE + TAPING protocols for improving the functional stability and for preventing re-occuring injuries.