Does lateral malleolus posterior glide taping affect ankle evertor muscle strength in recurrent ankle sprain?

INTERVENTION: Concentric and eccentric peak torque of evertor muscles will be measured at a constant velocity using an isokinetic dynamometer, the Cybex 6000 machine (Cybex, 2100 Smithtown Avenue, PO Box 9003, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779‐0903). The Cybex software calculates and displays measures of muscle activity, eg. Peak torque, muscle work. This has been chosen as the cybex provides a more sensitive measures of muscle strength than that of more crude manual muscle testing (Munn et al 2003). Subjects will be positioned on the machine in supine with the hip and knee of the tested limb secured at 90 degrees flexion. The foot will be secured on the foot plate with the ankle in neutral. Prior to testing, the CYBEX machine will be calibrated to the individual's end rage of inversion and eversion. The participants will be asked to complete a self‐report functional questionnaire (adapted from de Bie et al 1997) which will determine the level of stability of the injured ankle. Both ankles of each subject will be tested, with the uninjured ankle acting as a control. Each ankle will be tested under three different conditions. To avoid experimental bias, the order of intervention and which ankle to test first will be randomised using random numbers (names drawn out of a hat). 1. Without tape 2. With tape and LMPG (active intervention) 3. With tape placed on skin without tension (placebo) The LMPG will be applied as described by Mulligan (1999). The glide will be held in place with rigid adhesive tape (Hetherington 1996). To ensure consistency, the same researcher will apply the mobilisation each time. This will also be the case for application of tape. Preparation for the study including a small pilot will be completed in September 2004. Data collection for the study will take place from October 2004 to February 2005 with final interpreting and analysis in March/April 2005. Final Report May 2005 CONDITION: Injury, Occupational Diseases, Poisoning: Ankle sprain ; Injury, Occupational Diseases, Poisoning ; Ankle sprain PRIMARY OUTCOME: Measurements of torgue (peak torgue), power and muscle work will be determined using the cybex. SECONDARY OUTCOME: Not provided at time of registration INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Healthy adult male and female subjects 2. Age 18‐65 3. Who attend St Georges Hospital who have had a history of recurrent ankle sprain, on at least two occasions, with the most recent episode occurring more than 4 weeks ago 4. Unilateral functional ankle instability, assessed by a self‐report functional questionnaire (adapted from de Bie et al 1997)