Riassunto dello studio

Thirty recreational athletes with Achilles tendinopathy were randomized in a crossover design to receive anti-pronation taping, anti-supination taping, or no taping. The primary outcome of interest was neuromuscular control, assessed through ankle proprioception (Active Movement Extent Discrimination Assessment, AMEDA). Secondary outcomes included dorsiflexion range of motion (Weight-Bearing Lunge Test, WBLT), explosive strength (single-leg hop test, figure-of-eight hop test), and lower extremity functional performance (Lower Extremity Functional Test, LEFT). Outcomes were assessed under each taping condition. Overall, the study found that both taping conditions significantly improved ankle proprioception, figure-of-eight hop performance, and LEFT scores, while also reducing the risk of injury. However, taping significantly reduced dorsiflexion and did not significantly affect single-leg hop test performance. No difference was observed between the two taping techniques. These findings suggest that both taping directions are effective in improving neuromuscular control and reducing injury risk in athletes with AT, though they may restrict dorsiflexion.