Abstract

Introduction: the lateral ankle sprain is one of the most common pathologies in daily life and in sport practice. A high percentage of people who suffer from ankle sprain, end up developing pain and joint instability, as well as repetitive sprains. This is known as chronic ankle instability. Kinesiology tape is frequently used for its treatment these days. Objective: the aim of this paper was to compile and analyze data of the effect of kinesiology tape, either neuromuscular or biomechanical inthe functionality of chronic ankle instability. Material and method: a search of the literature was carried out in Pubmed, CINAHL, Scopus and Science Direct, and one more study was added for its relevance. The inclusion criteria were: subjects with chronic ankle instability, kinesiology tape as the only treatment and studies analyzing the effect in functionality. Neurological patients and healthy subjects that were not considered normal values in the studies were excluded. Results: 6 articles, with very heterogeneous characteristics, were finally selected and studied. Significant and effective results were found in 4 articles for proprioception and balance. In 3 of the articles included, there were not significant results for proprioception, balance and muscle activation. Conclusions: there is not solid scientific evidence concerning the effect of kinesiology tape in functionality on chronic ankle instability related to proprioception, balance and muscle activation.