Investigation of the effects of two ankle different external support methods on propriososption and balance in healthy persons

Objective: The purpose of this study is to invistigate the effects of different Ankle join external fixations (Taping and bandiging) on proprioception and balance in healthy persons. Method: This study is a cross-sectional study. 74 volunteers participated in this study, all of them are students Dokuz Eylul University, Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation High School. Each student received two different external fixation method. Before the external fixation methods were applied, the proprioception was evaluated by measuring ROM by using two measurement methods: 1. Phone-based goniometer, 2. universal goniometer. Balances were also evaluated using the Star Excursion Balance test. Proprioception and balance evaluated at 4 occasions, before applying the external fixation, 20 minutes after applying the external fixation, 24 hours after applying the external fixation (immediately before removing the external fixation), and immediately after removing the external fixation (after 24 hours removed). All participants shpıld meet the inclusion criteria. A data registration form about health information was created for participants health information. The evaluation form consist of, demographic information, and ankle proprioception and balance assessment parts. Results: During the use of the external fixation in both groups (bandage group and banding group), at 20 minutes after applying the external fixation, 24 hours applying the external fixation (immediately before removing the external fixation), and immediately after removing the external fixation (after 24 hours removed) occasions, we found a significant difference at the 4 different ROM angles, P <0.05. In comparison of the two groups, proprioception was improved throughout the use of tap and bandage. There was a significant difference between the two groups during the use of eternal fixation methods at the occasion (24 hours after using external support) in the four different ROM angles, Since the absolute error was higher at the taping group P <0.05. There was no significant difference between all other occasions, (before applying the external fixation, 20 minutes after applying the external fixation, and immediately after removing the external fixation) for all NEHangles, as the standard error values were close to each other, P > 0.05. İn both groups, when reaching distance of the Star Excursion Balance Test at the four occasion were compared, there was significant between the two occasion (before applying the external fixation, and immediately after removing the external fixation) and the another two occasions (20 minutes after applying the external fixation, and 24 hours after applying the external fixation), P < 0.05. At the occasion (20 minutes after applying the external fixation), the normalized reach distance of the Star Excursion Balance Test was the highest, especially in the lateral and posteriolateral directions, also the improvement was the least t the medial direction, but it was significant as P < 0.05. Conclusion: In comparison of the two groups, (taping and bandaging,) proprioception and balance were improved throughout the use period. Because the normalized reach distance values were close to each other, P> 0.05, in the other ocasions (before applying the external fixation, 20 minutes after applying the external fixation, 24 hours after applying the external fixation, and immediately after removing the external fixation) there was a significnt diference between groups in the 8 directions of the Star Excurtion Balance Test. Keywords: Ankle joit, Taping, Bandaging, Ankle Sprain, Balance Proprioception.