NATA-BOC Taping, Bracing, and Protective Equipment 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of prophylactic ankle taping in athletic training?
- To treat existing ankle sprains after they occur
- To prevent ankle inversion sprains during activity (Correct answer)
- To increase ankle dorsiflexion range of motion
- To reduce ankle swelling following injury
Correct answer: To prevent ankle inversion sprains during activity
Prophylactic ankle taping is applied before activity to mechanically restrict excessive inversion and reduce the incidence of lateral ankle sprains.
Question 2: Which material is commonly applied to the skin before athletic tape to protect against friction and irritation?
- Foam rubber padding
- Pre-wrap (polyurethane foam) (Correct answer)
- Elastic bandage
- Silicone gel pad
Correct answer: Pre-wrap (polyurethane foam)
Pre-wrap (polyurethane foam) creates a protective barrier between the skin and athletic tape to minimize friction and skin irritation.
Question 3: The McConnell taping technique is primarily used to address which condition?
- Medial ankle instability
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome (Correct answer)
- Lateral epicondylitis
- Acromioclavicular joint sprain
Correct answer: Patellofemoral pain syndrome
The McConnell taping technique realigns patellar tracking to reduce patellofemoral contact pressure and alleviate anterior knee pain.
Question 4: Kinesiology tape differs from traditional non-elastic athletic tape primarily because it:
- Provides greater rigidity and joint restriction
- Is waterproof and can be worn for extended periods without skin irritation
- Has elastic properties similar to skin, allowing full range of motion (Correct answer)
- Contains anti-inflammatory medication to reduce local swelling
Correct answer: Has elastic properties similar to skin, allowing full range of motion
Kinesiology tape is designed with elasticity that mimics skin extensibility, allowing joints to move through full range of motion while providing proprioceptive feedback.
Question 5: In the Low-Dye taping technique used for plantar fasciitis, which structure does the tape primarily support?
- The Achilles tendon
- The medial longitudinal arch (Correct answer)
- The lateral ankle ligaments
- The peroneal tendons
Correct answer: The medial longitudinal arch
Low-Dye taping supports the medial longitudinal arch to decrease tensile stress on the plantar fascia during weight-bearing activity.
Question 6: What is the appropriate skin preparation before applying athletic tape directly to the skin?
- Apply petroleum jelly to the entire area to prevent skin breakdown
- Soak the area in warm water for 10 minutes to open pores
- Clean the area and apply tape adherent spray (Correct answer)
- Apply ice to the skin for 10 minutes before taping
Correct answer: Clean the area and apply tape adherent spray
Cleaning the skin removes oils and perspiration, and tape adherent spray improves tape adhesion while helping to protect the skin surface.
Question 7: Which type of ankle brace maintains its restriction of inversion most consistently throughout prolonged athletic activity compared to taping?
- Sleeve-type neoprene brace
- Lace-up fabric brace
- Rigid stirrup brace (Correct answer)
- Elastic bandage wrap
Correct answer: Rigid stirrup brace
Rigid stirrup braces maintain consistent mechanical support throughout activity because they do not loosen with perspiration and movement as athletic tape does.
NATA-BOC Taping, Bracing, and Protective Equipment 1
What is the primary purpose of prophylactic ankle taping in athletic training?