The Effect of Prophylactic Ankle Support During Simulated Soccer Activity

Abstract

Our findings suggest that the clinical usefulness of ankle-joint prophylactic support is limited if the aim is to restrict ROM and improve proprioceptive capability under soccer-specific conditions. The relative benefits of each type of support need to be considered in the context of the time-specific nature of the activity.

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

“…Ankle braces are used as a preventative measure against inversion/eversion ankle injuries by restricting excessive range of motion in the frontal plane and providing joint stability. 2,4,5,9,10,12,[15][16][17][26][27][28] It has been previously debated 1) whether braces restrict range of motion in the plane of interest and 2) whether that range of motion restriction negatively impacts performance. Numerous studies have been done to investigate the effect of ankle braces on performance, but few studies concurrently evaluated joint kinematics during the specific functional performance tests.…”

“…The lateral ankle sprain is one of the most common lower extremity injuries in sports. [1][2][3][4][5] Repetitive jumping and landing in certain sports such as basketball and volleyball create an environment for increased risk of recurrent ankle injuries. 6 The anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) is the most commonly injured ankle ligament with 85% of ankle injuries involving the ATFL.…”

“…Authors of previous research have also identified that wearing some type of external prophylactic ankle support reduces the risk of recurrent ankle sprains and provides extra support to the joint. 2,4,7 The purpose of using an external prophylactic brace is to provide support to the joint through restricting inversion and eversion movements.…”

Taping and bracing in the prevention of ankle sprains: current concepts

“…One of the downsides of brace and tape is that both lose their mechanical function during exercise 27 36. Tape achieves a range of motion restriction of 50%.…”

“…Even though hyperelastic tape shows a higher load to failure compared with conventional tape, it maintains a higher portion of its support during 30 min of exercise 38. Braces have been shown to maintain their mechanical function in comparison to tape 36. It is questionable whether this remaining restrictive effect could account for the preventive effects of taping and bracing, or if other factors are of greater importance.…”