The Effect of Ankle Bracing on Kinematics in Simulated Sprain and Drop Landings: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

Review written by Sam Blanchard info

Key Points

  1. Appropriate ankle bracing does not limit sagittal plane mobility, but it does decelerate frontal plane inversion movements.
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BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Bracing has been shown to be more effective than taping at reducing the speed of ankle inversion, however bracing sometimes contributes to restriction through the sagittal plane, affecting movements such as landing. There is thought to be no difference between taping, placebo tape and no tape in objective performance. Currently, there is no understanding on a potential placebo effect from bracing. This study aimed to look at a specific brace that selectively decelerates ankle inversion and compare it to a placebo via a double blinded, repeated measure, controlled study.

Bracing has been shown to be more effective than taping at reducing the speed of ankle inversion.
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We should remain cautious about claiming reduced risk of injury from bracing as this may be more complex than simply reducing inversion.

METHODS

16 participants (7 female and 9 male) with a history of ankle sprains at least a year prior, subjectively reported about living with ankle sprains, using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score. Objectively, two measures were taken. First, a single

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