Effects of gastrocnemius stretching with talus-stabilizing taping on ankle dorsiflexion and balance in individuals with limited ankle dorsiflexion: A randomized controlled trial
Affiliations: [a] Department of Physical Therapy, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea | [b] Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Soo-Yong, Kim, PT, PhD, Department of Physical Therapy Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, 20, Geumo-ro, Mulgeum-eup, Yangsan-si, Gyeongsangnam-do 50612, Korea. Tel.: +82 55 360 4214; Fax: +82 55 360 4242; E-mail: gasigogi11@naver.com.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Various interventions have been recommended to increase ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM); however, few studies have investigated the long-term effects of applying gastrocnemius stretching with talus-stabilizing taping (GSTST). OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of gastrocnemius stretching (GS) and GSTST on DFROM and balance in subjects with limited DFROM. METHODS: Twenty-six subjects with limited DFROM were randomly allocated to either the GS group (n= 13) or GSTST group (n= 13) for 6 weeks. Maximum DFROM before heel-off during gait, passive DFROM, posterior talar glide, flexibility of the gastrocnemius, and the lower-quarter Y-balance test (YBT-LQ) were assessed pre-intervention and post-intervention. Two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare the changes in variables. RESULTS: The GSTST group had greater maximum DFROM before heel-off, passive DFROM, and posterior talar glide than the GS group. Gastrocnemius flexibility and YBT-LQ scores increased significantly post-intervention in both groups; however, there was no significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: GSTST is recommend for improving ankle DFROM and balance in subjects with limited DFROM.
