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Ankle bracing is commonly used to prevent ankle sprain occurrences. The present study investigated the effects of a semi-rigid ankle brace on the ankle joint complex during landing on inclined surfaces. Seventeen recreational athletes performed a single leg landing task onto three different surface alignments (everted, neutral, inverted), with and without the brace. Ground reaction forces (GRF), kinematics, and brace pressure were recorded. Six two-way repeated measures MANOVA tested for differences in GRF, talocrural and subtalar kinematics and kinetics. Participants landed with a significantly less plantar flexed (P < 0.001) and more everted (P = 0.001) foot during the braced condition. Although no differences were observed for the joint moments, an increased subtalar compression force (P = 0.009) was observed with the brace. Landing on the inverted surface resulted in significantly higher peak magnitudes of the vertical and the mediolateral GRF and the talocrural inversion moment compared to landing on the neutral surface. Ankle bracing altered ankle kinematics by restricting the ROM of the ankle joint complex. This study confirmed that landing on inverted surfaces may increase the risk for lateral ankle ligaments injuries. The significantly higher subtalar compression force during the brace condition might contribute to overuse injuries.

Knee and hip alignment and knee moments during landing are considered risk factors for knee injuries while ankle bracing has been demonstrated to alter landing kinematics and kinetics at these joints. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a semi-rigid ankle brace has an effect on knee and hip kinematics and kinetics during landing on uneven surfaces. Seventeen recreational athletes performed a landing task on a randomly inclined platform with and without an ankle brace. Three different surface alignments were generated: everted, neutral, and inverted. Ground reaction forces (GRF), kinematics, and brace reaction forces were measured. Two independent variables were tested: the brace factor (braced and non-braced) and the inclination factor (everted, neutral, and inverted). Seven separate 2 × 3 repeated measures MANOVAs were employed to compare GRF, knee, and hip initial angles and range of motion (ROM), knee, and hip forces and moments. Participants landed with a more flexed knee and hip during the brace condition, followed by a knee ROM reduction. No differences were observed for the kinetic variables. Landing on the inverted surface resulted in increased peak magnitudes of the vertical and the mediolateral GRF compared to landing on the neutral surface. Landing on the everted surface caused higher knee and hip abduction moments during early contact. Results confirm that ankle bracing may affect the kinematics of the whole lower extremity with no effect on knee or hip loading. Landing on uneven surfaces may increase injury risk, but no adverse effects were shown for wearing the brace.