Effect of 3 Different Ankle Braces on Functional Performance and Ankle Range of Motion

Abstract

Background: Braces are often used before returning to activity following ankle sprains and also prophylactically in sports considered the high risk for ankle sprains. The purpose of this study was to compare range of motion (ROM) limitations, functional performance, and satisfaction of rigid double upright and lace-up braces. Subjects: In total, 30 healthy adults >18 years of age (Mean, 22.6 6 2.7 years) without lower extremity injury and involved in regular physical activity participated in this study. Materials/Methods: Ankle ROM assessment and lower extremity performance testing (fig-ure-of-8 hop, side hop, 6-m single-limb crossover, and square hop) was administered under the following 3 conditions: unbraced, rigid braces, and lace-up braces. A questionnaire was completed following the test protocol on brace characteristics and satisfaction. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used to determine the main effects on outcome variables of ROM, hop performance, and satisfaction. Tukey LSD post hoc comparisons were conducted on significant main or interaction effects (P < .05) to determine differences between group by condition means. Results: In total, 30 participants completed the study. The lace-up brace limited plantarflex-ion and inversion ROM more than the rigid brace. When compared to the unbraced condition , both braced conditions resulted in better performance times, although not statistically significant. Higher satisfaction was reported with the lace-up brace on appearance, fit, prevention , and overall satisfaction. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: The ankle braces primarily limited ankle plantarflex-ion and inversion ROM, which are motions related to common reported mechanisms of ankle sprains. The braces did not negatively affect hop performance, and user satisfaction indicated a slight preference for the lace-up brace. Original Research OPEN ACCESS Key Points: The ankle braces used in the current study did not negatively affect functional performance of the participants. Both braces controlled ankle range of motion, but the lace-up brace had a greater effect on limiting plantarflexion and inversion. Participants in this study expressed a slight preference for the lace-up braces.

The Influence of Ankle Braces on Functional Performance Tests and Ankle Joint Range of Motion

“…The current study is in agreement with a majority of previous literature [7][8][9]11,[13][14][15]17 that ankle braces do not have an influence on speed and agility performance, despite the different types of agility tests employed. This relative consensus is an important clinical finding as healthcare providers can confidently utilize prophylactic ankle supports without the concern that it will negatively affect speed and agility performance.…”

“…The vertical jump is one of the most common tests used to measure power. However, the results of previous studies [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] that investigated the influence of ankle braces on vertical jump performance are not conclusive. One topic that needs to be considered when evaluating the importance of vertical jump deficits is what magnitude of deficit should be considered clinically meaningful.…”

“…In our study, we found that the 0.010-0.020 m decrease in vertical jump height was statistically significant which is also in agreement with previous studies. 16,17 Conversely, a number of studies concluded that a vertical jump deficit of 0.010-0.030 m was not statistically significant. 7,8,[10][11][12][13][14] Additionally, our study revealed a 0.090 m difference in standing long jump performance between the brace and no-brace condition.…”

“…4 Laboratory based studies, which evaluated how braces influence functional performances have led to mixed results. 4,7,10,11,13 The majority of the studies [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] have evaluated the influence of ankle braces during a variety of functional tests such as the vertical jump, agility drills and speed tests. These studies usually evaluate the effect of the brace only on performance measures such as the height, distance or speed for these tests, respectively.…”

The effect of reduced ankle dorsiflexion on lower extremity mechanics during landing: A systematic review

“…In New Zealand from July 2012-June 2013 the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) received 172,461 new claims for lowerextremity injuries incurred during sport with costs exceeding $15 million NZD 9 . Ankle injury sustained during sports participation may contribute to injury risk as reduced DF ROM has been reported following ankle sprain 10 , ankle ligament reconstruction 11 , chronic ankle instability 12,13 , and with ankle bracing 12,13 .…”