Using Ankle Bracing and Taping to Decrease Range of Motion and Velocity During Inversion Perturbation While Walking

Effects of Ankle Compression Garments on Fatigue and Single-Leg Balance in Collegiate Basketball Players

Basketball players are prone to ankle injuries. It is unclear if wearing ankle compression garments (CGs) can enhance balance control and time to fatigue in those athletes. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of ankle CGs on both time to fatigue and single-leg balance. Sixteen Division II (D2) collegiate basketball players participated in the study. The Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) was used to assess ankle stability. Fatigue was induced through deficit heel raises, and single-leg balance was assessed with the Athletic Single Leg Stability Test (ASLST) of the Biodex Balance System. Ten out of 16 (62.5%) basketball players were classified as having chronic ankle instability (CAI). Wearing CGs did not significantly prolong the time to fatigue (P = .774), and participants with CAI and without CAI had a similar time to fatigue (P = .958). In addition, wearing CGs significantly worsened single-leg balance before fatigue (P = .021), but enhanced balance control after fatigue (P = .027). Results indicate a strong prevalence of CAI in collegiate basketball players, and wearing CGs may not be able to enhance single-leg balance before fatigue. Although participants who wore CGs did not significantly increase their time to fatigue, their single-leg balance significantly improved after fatigue. This finding suggests wearing ankle CGs may have the potential to remediate the impact of fatigue on balance control. Future studies with a larger sample size are needed to further examine the impact of wearing ankle CGs on fatigue and single-leg balance.

Influence of taping on force sense accuracy: a systematic review with between and within group meta-analysis

Taping is a common technique used to address proprioceptive deficits in both healthy and patient population groups. Although there is increasing interest in taping to address proprioceptive deficits, little is known about its effects on the kinetic aspects of proprioception as measured by force sense accuracy. To address this gap in the literature, the present systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the impact of taping on force sense accuracy. A search for relevant literature was conducted following PRISMA guidelines across seven databases and one register. Eleven studies with 279 participants were included in the review out of 7362 records. In the between-group analyses, we found a significant improvement in absolute (p < 0.01) and relative (p = 0.01) force sense accuracy with taping compared to no comparator. Likewise, a significant improvement in absolute (p = 0.01) force sense accuracy was also observed with taping compared to placebo tape. In the within group analysis, this reduction in the absolute (p = 0.11) force sense accuracy was not significant. Additional exploratory subgroup analyses revealed between group improvement in force sense accuracy in both healthy individuals and individuals affected by medial epicondylitis. The findings of this meta-analysis should be interpreted with caution due to the limited number of studies and a lack of blinded randomized controlled trials, which may impact the generalizability of the results. More high-quality research is needed to confirm the overall effect of taping on force sense accuracy.

Effectiveness of Novel Ankle Prophylactic Compared With Lace-Up Brace or Tape

CONTEXT

Conventional ankle prophylactics restrict harmful ankle inversion motions that lead to injury. But these existing prophylactics also limit other ankle motions, potentially leading to detriments in functional joint capacity. The ankle roll guard (ARG) may alleviate the prevailing issues of existing ankle prophylactics and prevent harmful ankle inversion, while allowing other joint motions.

OBJECTIVE

This technical report sought to compare the ARG's ability to prevent ankle inversion, but not restrict other ankle motions with existing prophylactics.

DESIGN

Repeated-measures study.

SETTING

Motion capture laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty participants.

INTERVENTION

Each participant had dominant limb ankle kinematics recorded during 5 successful trials of a sudden inversion event and 30-cm drop landing task with each of 4 conditions (ARG, ASO ankle stabilizer [brace], closed-basket weave athletic tape [tape], and unbraced [control]).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Peak ankle inversion angle, range of inversion motion (ROM), and time to peak inversion during the sudden inversion event, and ankle plantar- and dorsiflexion ROM during the drop landing were submitted to a 1-way repeated-measures analysis of variance to test the main effect of prophylaxis.

RESULTS

Participants exhibited greater inversion ROM with control compared with tape (P = .001), and greater plantar- and dorsiflexion ROM with ARG and control compared with brace (P = .02, P = .001) and tape (P = .02, P < .001). It took significantly longer to reach peak ankle inversion with brace and tape compared with ARG (P < .001, P = .001) and control (P = .01, P = .01). No significant difference in peak ankle inversion was observed between any condition (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

The ARG may prevent ankle inversion angles where injury is thought to occur (reportedly >41°), but is less restrictive than existing prophylactics. The less restrictive ARG may make its use ideal during rehabilitation as it allows ankle plantar- and dorsiflexion motions, while preventing inversion related to injury.

Differences in lower quarter Y-balance test with player position and ankle injuries in professional baseball players

PURPOSE

Although there has been research about the correlation between ankle injury and Y-balance test (YBT) conducted in other sports, there has been a lack of research on the correlation between ankle injury among baseball players and YBT scores or on differences in scores according to baseball positions. This study focused on professional baseball players as its subjects with the aims of analyzing the correlation between YBT and ankle injury and assessing differences in YBT between baseball positions.

METHODS

Age, height, weight, body mass index, and spine malleolar distance of 42 professional baseball players were measured. YBT measurements were performed using each foot in three distinct directions. YBT normalized reach distances, composite score, and reach asymmetry were analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean right posteromedial normalized reach distances for the player positions were significantly different between the pitchers (107.7%) and infielders (113.7%) ( p = 0.028). For the composite score, the difference between the pitchers (92.3%) and infielders (95.0%) was statistically significant ( p = 0.048). The anterior reach asymmetry was larger in the injured group than in the noninjured group ( p = 0.041).

CONCLUSION

This study shows that YBT can be used as a way of evaluating the injury of baseball players. It also shows the reference value of YBT according to position in professional baseball players. This study could be useful for the treatment of ankle injury of baseball players. Level of evidence: Level 3.

Stair descent biomechanics reflect perceived instability in people with unilateral ankle sprain history

BACKGROUND

Efforts have been exerted to establish the correlation between objective variables and subjectively perceived ankle instability. Whether or not biomechanical parameters during stair descent can serve as potential assessment tools for perceived stability in people with unilateral ankle sprain history is unknown.

METHODS

Twenty-four subjects with unilateral ankle sprain history were categorized into four groups according to the severity of perceived stability during stair descent. Kinematic and kinetic parameters during stair descent were obtained with a motion analysis system. Spearman's correlation coefficient (ρ) was utilized to test the correlation between the score of perceived stability during stair descent and biomechanical variables.

FINDINGS

Subjects with increased perceived instability were likely to show increased ankle inversion (ρ = -0.46, p = .025) and increased ankle plantarflexion (ρ = 0.46, p = .025), with increased hip adduction (ρ = -0.43, p = .036), hip flexion (ρ = -0.56, p = .004), knee adduction (ρ = 0.45, p = .027), and knee flexion (ρ = -0.44, p = .031). No significant correlation was detected between kinetic variables and perceived stability.

INTERPRETATION

Sagittal and coronal plane motions of the ankle might require rehabilitative intervention to produce improved self-reported outcomes. Kinematic assessment during stair descent can aid in the quantification of subjective ankle instability.

The effects of wearing an Ankle Stabilizing Orthosis (ASO) Ankle Brace on ankle joints kinetics and kinematics during a basketball rebounding task

Following an ankle injury, athletes sometimes brace the injured ankle in hopes of minimizing the likelihood of suffering a recurring injury. This study aims to evaluate the effects of wearing an Ankle Stabilizing Orthosis (ASO) ankle brace unilaterally on the dominant side on bilateral ankle joint kinetics and kinematics and peroneus longus EMG activity. Since a significant proportion of ankle injuries in basketball occur during rebounding, data was collected during a simulated rebounding task. Rebounding is defined as the act of retrieving a missed shot attempt. Subjects oftentimes jump vertically to acquire the basketball as it rebounds from the backboard or rim. Sixteen subjects participated in the study (11 males, 5 females; mean age = 26.94 years, SD = 5.32; mean height 1.72 m, SD = 0.08; mean weight 73.95 kg, SD = 13.68). Participants completed the rebounding task in braced (ASO) and unbraced (UB) conditions. Ankle and foot inversion angles, ankle inversion moments and peroneus longus EMG activity were recorded and analysed to determine the effects of wearing an ankle brace unilaterally. In the dominant limb, when compared to UB, ASO reduced ankle and foot inversion, and increased ankle inversion moments. No significant differences were observed in peroneus longus EMG activity. In the non-dominant limb, no significant differences were observed for any of the parameters. These results suggest that wearing an ASO ankle brace on the dominant ankle reduces maximum ankle and foot inversion angles without posing an increased risk to the unbraced leg. However, the increased ankle inversion moments in the braced ankle suggest that there are adjustments regarding force distribution, perhaps due to the restricted range of motion.

Comparison of the Effect of the Combined Mechanism Ankle Support on Static and Dynamic Postural Control of Chronic Ankle Instability Patients

BACKGROUND

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is associated with postural control impairment. Orthotic devices are routinely used to improve postural control of CAI patients and prevent recurrence of ankle sprain. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effect of combined mechanism ankle support (CMAS) with soft ankle support (SAS) and custom-molded foot orthosis (CFO) on static and dynamic postural control in patients with CAI.

METHODS

Twenty-two patients with CAI and 22 matched healthy subjects were recruited. The participants were evaluated in four orthotic conditions (without orthosis and with the CMAS, SAS, and CFO). Static balance was investigated in single-limb stance on the force platform, and dynamic balance was assessed using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT).

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences were found for the main effects of the groups in all center of pressure (COP) parameters and reach distances in medial (M), anteromedial (AM), and posteromedial (PM) directions of the SEBT ( P < .05). The main effect of the orthotics for all evaluated parameters, except reach distance in the PM direction, was statistically different. All COP parameters were significantly lower with the CMAS compared with other orthotic conditions in CAI patients. Also, the higher reach distances with the CMAS were obtained in the AM and M directions of the SEBT.

CONCLUSION

The CMAS improved impaired postural control in static and dynamic stability tests, but no similar effect was found for SAS and CFO. This result may have implications for the best bracing for CAI.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, comparative study.

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

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of external ankle braces to protect against sudden inversion sprain has yet to be determined while taking into account the possible placebo effect of brace application.

PURPOSE

To assess the protective effect of an external ankle brace on ankle kinematics during simulated inversion sprain and single-legged drop landings among individuals with a history of unilateral lateral ankle sprain.

HYPOTHESIS

The primary hypothesis was that active and placebo external braces would reduce inversion angle during simulated inversion sprain.

STUDY DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study.

METHODS

Sixteen participants with ankle instability and previous sprain performed single-legged drop landings and sudden inversion tilt perturbations. Kinematics of the affected limb were assessed in 3 conditions (active bracing, passive placebo bracing, and unbraced) across 2 measurement days. Participators and investigators were blinded to the brace type tested. The effect of bracing on kinematics was assessed with repeated measures analysis of variance with statistical parametric mapping, with post hoc tests performed for significant interactions.

RESULTS

Only active bracing reduced inversion angles during a sudden ankle inversion when compared with the unbraced condition. This reduction was apparent between 65 and 140 milliseconds after the initial fall. No significant differences in inversion angle were found between the passive placebo brace and unbraced conditions during sudden ankle inversion. Furthermore, no significant differences were found among all tested conditions in the sagittal plane kinematics at the knee and ankle.

CONCLUSION

During an inversion sprain, only the actively protecting ankle brace limited inversion angles among participants. These results do not indicate a placebo effect of external bracing for patients with ankle instability and a history of unilateral ankle sprain. Furthermore, sagittal plane knee kinematics appear to remain unaffected by bracing during single-legged landing, owing to the limited effects of bracing on sagittal ankle kinematics. These results highlight the role of brace design on biomechanical function during sports-related and injury-prone movements.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Athletes prone to reinjury after lateral ankle sprain may benefit from brace designs that allow for full sagittal range of motion but restrict only frontal plane motion.

Nonelastic and Kinesio Tex Tapes Improve Perceived Stability But Not Postural Control in Participants With Chronic Ankle Instability

The development of chronic ankle instability (CAI) is common following a lateral ankle sprain. Taping using nonelastic and Kinesio Tex (KT) tapes remain popular treatment strategies. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if KT tape improves static and dynamic postural control relative to nonelastic tape and a control condition. Twenty-four participants completed all three conditions. No immediate improvements in postural control were noted in either taping condition. Both nonelastic and KT tape improved perceived stability relative to the control condition. In conclusion, nonelastic and KT tape should not be used to immediately improve postural control in CAI participants.

Effect of prophylactic ankle taping on ankle and knee biomechanics during basketball-specific tasks in females

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ankle taping on ankle and knee joint biomechanics during cutting and rebound activities in females.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

SETTING

Laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty semi-professional female basketball players performed a cut and rebound task under two conditions (taped and no-tape).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Kinematic and ground reaction force data were collected during the deceleration phase of each movement task.

RESULTS

Taping resulted in a significant reduction in peak ankle dorsiflexion, inversion and internal rotation angles and range of motion (ROM) at the ankle joint; and reduced knee ROM in the sagittal plane during the rebound task only. Taping significantly reduced peak knee flexion moment (0.29 Nm/kg, P = 0.013) and increased knee internal rotation moment (0.63 Nm/kg, P = 0.026) during the cutting task compared to control. Taping also significantly reduced the internal rotation moment (0.07 Nm/kg, P = 0.025), and medial shear forces (0.14 N/kg, P = 0.012) in the rebound task.

CONCLUSION

Results of the study suggest that ankle taping restrict ankle range of movement in the rebound task only and ankle taping appears to have upstream effects on the knee, which may have injury implications.