Effects of rigid tape and ankle guards on balance performance among rugby players

Rugby is a demanding contact sport involving quick direction changes and physical collisions that frequently result in ankle injuries and impaired postural control. To prevent recurrent instability athletes commonly utilize external supports like rigid tape for firm joint restriction or ankle guards for flexible support. This study evaluated how both support types affect dynamic balance in ten uninjured male rugby players using a crossover experimental design. Participants completed the Modified Star Excursion Balance Test under both rigid tape and ankle guard conditions across two separate sessions, with average reach distances analyzed to compare performance.