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Foot Ankle Int 2020 Jul 8;41(7):793-802. Epub 2020 May 8.

Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.

Background: Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a frequent complication of ankle sprain that may be associated with long-term consequences. Although taping and bracing are common interventions that are widely used by clinicians and athletic trainers for patients with CAI, no studies have compared the effects of kinesiotaping and bracing on balance performance in these patients. The present study aimed to compare the effects of ankle kinesiotaping, a soft ankle orthosis, and a semirigid ankle orthosis on balance performance in patients with CAI. Read More

BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2020 4;6(1):e000604. Epub 2020 Feb 4.

Dean's Office, University of Balamand Faculty of Engineering, El-Koura, Lebanon.

Background: Lateral ankle sprain is one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries, particularly among the sporting population. Due to such prevalence, many interventions have been tried to prevent initial, or further, ankle sprains. Current research shows that the use of traditional athletic tape can reduce the incidence of sprain recurrence, but this may be at a cost to athletic performance through restriction of motion. Read More

J Sport Rehabil 2019 Oct 18:1-4. Epub 2019 Oct 18.

Clinical Scenario: Approximately 30% of all first-time patients with LAS develop chronic ankle instability (CAI). CAI-associated impairments are thought to contribute to aberrant gait biomechanics, which increase the risk of subsequent ankle sprains and the development of posttraumatic osteoarthritis. Alternative modalities should be considered to improve gait biomechanics as impairment-based rehabilitation does not impact gait. Read More

Clin Orthop Relat Res 2020 02;478(2):359-377

K. Tsikopoulos, D. Kitridis, 424 Army General Training Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece K. Tsikopoulos, Orthopedic Department, University Hospitals of North Midlands, Stoke-on-Trent, UK K. Sidiropoulos, Orthopaedic Department, General Hospital of Serres, Serres, Greece D. Kitridis, First Orthopedic Department of Aristotle University, G. Papanikolaou General Hospital, Exohi, Thessaloniki, Greece S. M. Cain, Department of Exercise and Sports Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA D. Metaxiotis, Second Orthopedic Department, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece A. Ali, Orthopedic Department, University Hospitals of North Midlands, Stoke-on-Trent, UK.

Background: To improve ankle stability in patients who have experienced an ankle sprain with residual symptoms of instability and/or objective joint laxity, external supports (such as taping, bracing, and orthotic insoles) are used sometimes. However, available randomized trials have disagreed on whether restraints improve balance in those individuals. In this situation, a network meta-analysis can help because it allows for comparing multiple treatments simultaneously, taking advantage not only of direct but also indirect evidence synthesis. Read More

Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2019 02 23;33(1):3-15. Epub 2019 Feb 23.

Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N1N4, Canada. Electronic address:

Participation in sport and recreation has important positive implications for public health across the lifespan; however, the burden of sport-related musculoskeletal injury is significant, with the greatest risk being in youth and young adults. Moving upstream to primary prevention of injury is a public health priority that will have significant implications for reducing the long-term consequences of musculoskeletal injury including early post-traumatic osteoarthritis. The primary targets for the prevention of musculoskeletal injury in sport include neuromuscular training (NMT), rule modification, and equipment recommendations. Read More

J Athl Train 2019 Jun 22;54(6):650-661. Epub 2019 May 22.

University College Dublin, Ireland.

Context: Given the frequency of ankle sprains, especially in the athletic population, prevention is a primary task of athletic trainers and other sports health care professionals.

Objective: To discuss the current evidence as it relates to prophylactic programs for the prevention of ankle sprains and to provide critical interpretation of the evidence supporting and refuting the implementation of preventive programs.

Conclusions: External prophylactic supports and preventive exercise programs are effective for reducing the risk of ankle sprains in both uninjured and previously injured populations. Read More

Physiol Meas 2019 04 26;40(4):044003. Epub 2019 Apr 26.

Castleton University, 62 Alumni Dr, Castleton, VT, United States of America.

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of ankle taping, bracing, and fibular reposition taping (FRT) on running biomechanics as measured with wearable sensors.

Approach: A randomized crossover study design was employed as 12 young adults (six males, six females) with history of ankle sprain completed four 400 m runs at self-selected pace on an outdoor track. One of four conditions (control, taped, braced, FRT) was applied prior to each run. Read More

Trials 2018 Feb 20;19(1):125. Epub 2018 Feb 20.

Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Background: Ankle sprains are some of the most frequent injuries of the musculoskeletal system. However, there is no substantive evidence supporting which treatment strategy is superior. Taping with Kinesiotape (KT) is a new method that is used as an alternative to the more established taping and bracing techniques used for the prophylaxis and treatment of ankle sprains. Read More

Mil Med 2018 05;183(5-6):e135-e139

Trinity International University, 2065 Half Day Road, Village of Bannockburn, Deerfield, IL 60015.

Introduction: Several studies have shown that the parachute ankle brace (PAB) is safe, cost-effective, and reduces the rates of ankle injuries during military parachuting. However, the acceptability and usability of the PAB has not been well established in units that regularly do airborne exercises. Many anecdotal concerns in the past may be limiting common use. Read More

J Athl Train 2018 Jan 9;53(1):66-71. Epub 2018 Jan 9.

Applied Science and Technology, Illinois State University, Normal.

Context:   Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in the physically active population. Previous researchers have shown that supporting the ankle with taping or bracing is effective in preventing ankle sprains. However, no authors have compared the effects of self-adherent tape and lace-up ankle braces on ankle range of motion (ROM) and dynamic balance in collegiate football players. Read More

Physiother Theory Pract 2018 Jul 3;34(7):569-577. Epub 2018 Jan 3.

a Registered Physiotherapist , CBI Health Centre, Chilliwack , British Columbia , Canada.

This case report describes a 50-year-old male who presented with right anterolateral ankle pain managed unsuccessfully with rest, medications, bracing, injection, physical therapy, and massage therapy. Clinical diagnosis of anterolateral ankle impingement was based on concordant symptom reproduction with palpatory tenderness and a positive lateral synovial impingement test. This case report is a potential first time description of the successful management of anterolateral ankle impingement utilizing a novel Mulligan's mobilization with movement procedure (consisting of internal rotation of the distal tibia) and taping with immediate improvements noted in pain, range of motion, and function. Read More

Gait Posture 2017 10 18;58:108-114. Epub 2017 Jul 18.

Department of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1337 Lower Campus Road, PE/A Complex, Honolulu, HI, 96822, United States. Electronic address:

Ankle braces and taping are commonly used to prevent ankle sprains and allow return to play following injury, however, it is unclear how passive restriction of joint motion may effect running gait kinematics and energy expenditure during exercise. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of different types of ankle supports on lower extremity kinematics and energy expenditure during continuous running. Thirteen healthy physically active adults ran at self-selected speed on the treadmill for 30min in four different ankle support conditions: semi-rigid hinged brace, lace-up brace, tape and control. Read More

J Athl Train 2017 Aug 13;52(8):753-765. Epub 2017 Jul 13.

Division of Athletic Training, University of Kentucky, Lexington.

Objective:   To conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis assessing the effectiveness of conservative rehabilitation programs for improving health-related quality of life (HRQL) in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI).

Data Sources:   PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus were searched from inception to January 2016.

Study Selection:   Studies were included if the researchers examined the effects of a conservative rehabilitation protocol in individuals with CAI, used validated patient-reported outcomes (PROs) to quantify participant-perceived HRQL, and provided adequate data to calculate the effect sizes (ESs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Read More

J Athl Train 2016 Apr 25;51(4):283-90. Epub 2016 Apr 25.

Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University, Bloomington;

Context: Prophylactic ankle supports are commonly used. However, the effectiveness of external supports in preventing an inversion stress has been debated.

Objective: To evaluate how ankle bracing and taping affect inversion range of motion, time to maximum inversion, inversion velocity, and perceived ankle stability compared with a control condition during a dynamic inversion perturbation while walking. Read More

Res Sports Med 2016 11;24(1):39-53. Epub 2016 Mar 11.

a Athletic Training Research Laboratory , University of Delaware , Newark , DE , USA.

Soccer athletes at all levels of play are keenly aware of their equipment needs including cleat wear, and want to be protected from injury but without impeding on-field performance. Ankle injury is a common disorder that is prevalent in the sport of soccer and recent improvements in ankle prophylaxis interventions have proven effective. The aim of this study was to determine if the use of elastic taping or a neoprene sleeve alters performance, stability, and cleat comfort/support in soccer players compared to wearing a soccer cleat without any external support. Read More

Physiotherapy 2016 Sep 3;102(3):287-93. Epub 2015 Sep 3.

Clinic for Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Centre for Orthopaedics, Trauma Surgery and Spinal Cord Injury, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of kinesiotape, non-elastic tape, and soft brace on segmental foot kinematics during drop landing in subjects with chronic ankle instability and healthy subjects.

Design: Controlled study with repeated measurements.

Setting: Three-dimensional motion analysis laboratory. Read More

J Foot Ankle Res 2015 14;8:13. Epub 2015 Apr 14.

Department of Rehabilitation, Nursing Science and Sport, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA The Netherlands.

Background: After sustaining an ankle sprain, taping is often the standard treatment in primary care. Ankle braces are sometimes used as an alternative. This study aimed to compare the effects of four weeks of soft bracing or taping following acute lateral ankle ligamentous sprain (ALALS) on sprain recurrence rates and residual symptoms at one year. Read More

Sports Med 2015 Jan;45(1):95-110

Department of Podiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia,

Orthotic devices such as foot orthoses, splints, taping and bracing are recommended for Achilles tendinopathy (AT). This systematic review was conducted to review the current evidence for the effectiveness of orthotic devices for the treatment of mid-portion or insertional AT. Electronic bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Current Contents, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus) were searched in May 2014. Read More

Br J Sports Med 2014 Aug 7;48(16):1235-9. Epub 2014 Jan 7.

Department of Public and Occupational Health EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Background: Ankle sprain is the most common sports-related injury with a high rate of recurrence and associated costs. Recent studies have emphasised the effectiveness of both neuromuscular training and bracing for the secondary prevention of ankle sprains.

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of combined bracing and neuromuscular training, or bracing alone, against the use of neuromuscular training on recurrences of ankle sprain after usual care. Read More

BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2014 Jan 7;15. Epub 2014 Jan 7.

Department of Public & Occupational Health, EMGO + Institute for Health and Care Research and VU University Medical Center, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Background: Ankle sprains continue to pose a significant burden to the individual athlete, as well as to society as a whole. However, despite ankle sprains being the single most common sports injury and despite an active approach by various Dutch organisations in implementing preventive measures, large-scale community uptake of these preventive measures, and thus actual prevention of ankle sprains, is lagging well behind. In an attempt to bridge this implementation gap, the Dutch Consumer Safety Institute VeiligheidNL developed a freely available interactive App ('Strenghten your ankle' translated in Dutch as: 'Versterk je enkel; available for iOS and Android) that contains - next to general advice on bracing and taping - a proven cost-effective neuromuscular program. Read More

Int J Sports Phys Ther 2013 Aug;8(4):393-406

California State University, Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, USA.

Introduction And Background: Ankle injuries are one of the most common injuries among physically active individuals. The role of prophylactic ankle taping and bracing has been studied extensively. Kinesio(®) Tape (KT) is a somewhat new type of taping technique gaining popularity as both treatment and performance enhancement tool. Read More

J Athl Train 2013 Jul-Aug;48(4):528-45

National Athletic Trainers’ Association, Communications Department, 2952 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX 75247, USA.

Objective: To present recommendations for athletic trainers and other allied health care professionals in the conservative management and prevention of ankle sprains in athletes.

Background: Because ankle sprains are a common and often disabling injury in athletes, athletic trainers and other sports health care professionals must be able to implement the most current and evidence-supported treatment strategies to ensure safe and rapid return to play. Equally important is initiating preventive measures to mitigate both first-time sprains and the chance of reinjury. Read More

J Sport Rehabil 2013 Aug 9;22(3):229-33. Epub 2013 Apr 9.

Dept of Kinesiology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA.

Clinical Scenario: Ankle taping and bracing are commonly used to reduce the risk of sports-related ankle sprains. Mechanical- and neuromuscular-control facilitation has been the focus of their effectiveness. Another potential advantage to using ankle taping or bracing is an increased sense of confidence, stability, and reassurance that the individual may experience when performing a dynamic-balance activity. Read More

Br J Sports Med 2013 May 26;47(8):527-8. Epub 2012 Oct 26.

Department of Public & Occupational Health, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands.

Foot Ankle Int 2012 Oct;33(10):862-9

ATI Physical Therapy, Newark, DE 19716, USA.

Background: To both prevent and accelerate recovery and return-to-play from ankle sprains, clinicians frequently employ the use of external prophylactic support (EPS), such as taping and bracing, to provide mechanical support to the ankle joint. While common practice clinically, research has been inconclusive in demonstrating the effectiveness of EPS in restricting accessory motion (laxity) throughout activity, as well as its efficacy in restricting laxity in patients with complaints of ankle instability, and patients with a history of ankle sprain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of EPS type (None, Tape, Brace) on ankle laxity before and after exercise in subjects with varying degrees of previous ankle injury. Read More

Nat Rev Rheumatol 2012 12 31;8(12):747-52. Epub 2012 Jul 31.

Department of Physiotherapy, Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine, University of Melbourne, 200 Berkeley Street, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia.

Sports participation is associated with an increased risk of future osteoarthritis (OA), much of which results from joint injury. No strong evidence exists that moderate sporting activity in the presence of normal joints predisposes to OA. Whether high-level participation in sport, particularly impact-type sports, is truly associated with OA is unclear owing to difficulties in differentiating the confounding effect of joint injury. Read More

BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2012 May 28;13:81. Epub 2012 May 28.

Department of Surgery, Division of Traumasurgery, Maastricht University Medical Center+, P Debyelaan 25, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands.

Background: Functional treatment is a widely used and generally accepted treatment for ankle sprain. A meta-analysis comparing the different functional treatment options could not make definitive conclusions regarding the effectiveness, and until now, little was known about patient satisfaction in relation to the outcome.

Methods: Patients with acute ankle sprain received rest, ice, compression and elevation with an compressive bandage at the emergency department. Read More

J Sci Med Sport 2012 Sep 17;15(5):386-92. Epub 2012 Apr 17.

Discipline of Exercise and Sport Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Australia.

Objectives: To determine if wearing an ankle brace or taping the ankle, compared to no brace or tape, improves proprioceptive acuity in people with a history of ankle sprain or functional ankle instability.

Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods: Studies using controlled, cross-over designs whereby participants who had sprained their ankle at least once or had functional ankle instability, underwent some form of proprioceptive sensation testing with and without ankle brace or tape, were included. Read More

J Sci Med Sport 2012 Jan 30;15(1):8-13. Epub 2011 Aug 30.

School of Physiotherapy, Australian Catholic University, Australia.

Objective: To compare the effect of taping and bracing on lower limb muscle activity during gait.

Design: Cross-sectional laboratory study.

Methods: Twenty-seven asymptomatic adults with flat-arched foot posture were recruited to this study. Read More

Int J Exerc Sci 2011;4(1):49-64. Epub 2011 Jan 15.

Department of Biology, Drake University, Des Moines, IA.

The purpose of this study was to compare the influences of 4 ankle conditions (no support, bracing, taping, taping + spatting; all in football cleats) during 2 maximal-effort field drills (40-yd dash and 34-yd cutting drill) on perceptions of comfort and stability and performance outcomes. Fourteen young adult males participated. Subjects' perceptions of comfort and stability were assessed by visual analogue scales after each drill for each ankle condition. Read More

Br J Sports Med 2010 Dec 3;44(15):1082-8. Epub 2010 Nov 3.

Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO-Institute, VU University Medical Center, Van der Boechorststraat 7, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Objectives: To establish the effect of preventive measures and assert the optimal prevention strategy for acute lateral ligament injury to the ankle.

Methods: An electronic literature search was employed to look for published randomised controlled trials, a controlled trials or time interventions containing research questions regarding the prevention of lateral ankle ligament injuries. Two reviewers reviewed relevant studies for strengths and weaknesses in design and methodology, according to a standardised set of predefined criteria. Read More

Foot (Edinb) 2009 Dec 18;19(4):205-10. Epub 2009 Sep 18.

Hacettepe University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Dept of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Sports Physiotherapy Unit, 06100 Ankara, Turkey.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the effects of taping and preventive bracing on functional balance, jumping performance, multi-joint coordination and proprioception on comparison to barefoot and each other.

Design: Controlled trial as an experiment with the independent variable testing in 3 trials: control (barefooted), preventive bracing, and taping.

Setting: The sports physiotherapy research laboratory. Read More

Foot Ankle Clin 2009 Jun;14(2):205-14

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UNM Lobos, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-5296, USA.

Ankle instability in the athlete is a common problem that is routinely treated non-operatively, with a 90% success rate. With proprioceptive training, preventive equipment (bracing/taping), and closed kinetic chain strengthening, surgery for ankle instability is uncommon. Nonetheless, some athletes present with recurrent ankle instability that, despite work-up and conservative treatment, requires surgical correction. Read More

Int J Sports Med 2009 May 6;30(5):383-6. Epub 2009 Feb 6.

Armstrong Atlantic State University, Health Sciences, Savannah 31419-1997, United States.

This study sought to determine if prophylactic ankle taping and bracing influenced vertical leg stiffness during hopping. Twenty healthy and physically active participants completed testing under three ankle stabilizer conditions, ankle tape, semi-rigid ankle brace or control (no stabilizer) during three separate sessions. Immediately following stabilizer application, participants completed an exercise bout prior to completing the hopping. Read More

J Sci Med Sport 2009 May 11;12(3):388-92. Epub 2008 Jun 11.

Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA.

Postural control assessments are commonly administered to athletes as part of a pre-season screening. Establishing a baseline level of function permits the clinician to compare post-injury results to normal functioning during the return to play decision-making process. In the athletic setting, follow-up tests may be completed on the sideline immediately following injury. Read More

J Athl Train 2007 Apr-Jun;42(2):211-20

National Collegiate Athletic Association, Indianapolis, IN, USA.

Objective: To review 15 years of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) injury surveillance data for women's field hockey and identify potential areas for injury prevention initiatives.

Background: Field hockey is one of the most popular sports worldwide and is growing in participation in the United States, particularly among women. From 1988-1989 to 2002-2003, participation in NCAA women's field hockey increased 12%, with the largest growth among Division III programs. Read More

J Athl Train 2007 Apr-Jun;42(2):194-201

National Collegiate Athletic Association, Indianapolis, IN, USA.

Objective: To review 16 years of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) injury surveillance data for men's basketball and identify potential areas for injury prevention initiatives.

Background: Collegiate men's basketball is a contact sport in which numerous anatomical structures are susceptible to both acute and overuse injuries. To date, no comprehensive reporting of injury patterns in NCAA men's basketball has been published. Read More

Sao Paulo Med J 2006 Sep;124(5):245-52

Department of Physical Therapy, Speech and Occupational Therapy, School of Medicine, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua Cipotânia 51, Cidade Universitária São Paulo (SP), CEP 05360-000, Brazil.

Context And Objective: In basketball, the most common injuries are ankle sprains. For this reason, players frequently use external ankle devices or taping as prophylactic and rehabilitation measures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate ground reaction force (GRF) responses in basketball players while performing typical cutting maneuvers with and without ankle bracing and ankle taping. Read More

Electromyogr Clin Neurophysiol 2006 Nov;46(6):349-54

School of Kinesiology and Recreation, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-5120, USA.

Ankle taping and bracing is commonly used in athletics and both have been shown to be effective in reducing injury. Ankle proprioception has been shown to increase with external support due to the activation of cutaneous mechanoreceptors, however, the sensorimotor effect has not been studied Electromechanical delay (EMD) is defined as the time lag from the onset of electrical activity in the muscle to the subsequent mechanical response. The purpose of this investigation was to measure and compare the EMD of the peroneus longus muscle during ankle unsupported, braced, and taped conditions. Read More

J Foot Ankle Surg 2006 Nov-Dec;45(6):360-5

Orthopaedic Surgery, National Naval Medical Center, Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, USA.

Prophylactic ankle taping has been considered the mainstay of ankle injury prevention and has been used at all levels of competitive football. An alternative to taping is a semirigid ankle orthosis. This study prospectively compared the incidence of ankle sprains in high school football players during a single season, after randomization to either prophylactic bracing or taping of both ankles. Read More

Res Sports Med 2006 Apr-Jun;14(2):117-34

Department of Sport and Exercise Science, The University of Auckland, New Zealand.

Impact forces and rearfoot eversion have been linked to overuse injuries in running. Modeling approaches suggest that both factors interact in that reduced foot eversion relates to increased impact maxima and vice versa. The aim of this study was to alter rearfoot eversion by applying three different combinations of ankle taping and bracing. Read More

J Athl Train 1999 Oct;34(4):328-33

Lafayette High School, Lexington, KY.

Objective: To compare and contrast the relationships of selected static clinical measurements with the heel forces of forward and backward walking among healthy high school athletes.

Design And Setting: Single-group, cross-order-controlled, repeated-measures design. All data were collected in a high school athletic training room. Read More

J Athl Train 1999 Jan;34(1):15-8

Department of Physical Education, Athletics, and Recreation, Tufts University, Medford, MA.

Objective: To obtain information regarding syndesmotic ankle sprains and to identify a specific treatment modality that reduces the recovery time for syndesmotic ankle sprains.

Design And Setting: A mailed survey conducted from the Sports Medicine Department of Tufts University.

Subjects: I sent a survey to the head athletic trainers of all 30 National Football League teams. Read More

Int J Sports Med 2005 Jul-Aug;26(6):476-80

National Institute of Fitness and Sports, Kanoya, Kagoshima, Japan.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of ankle taping and bracing based on the peroneal reflex in the hypermobile and normal ankle joints with and without history of ankle injury. Thirty-six ankle joints of 18 collegiate American football athletes with and without previous history of injury were studied. The angle of talar tilt (TT) was measured by stress radiograph for classifying normal (TT5 degrees ) ankles. Read More

J Athl Train 2004 Mar;39(1):95-100

The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA.

OBJECTIVE: Taping and bracing are thought to decrease the incidence of ankle sprains; however, few investigators have addressed the effect of preventive measures on the rate of ankle sprains. Our purpose was to examine the effectiveness of ankle taping and bracing in reducing ankle sprains by applying a numbers-needed-to-treat (NNT) analysis to previously published studies. DATA SOURCES: We searched PubMed, CINAHL, SPORT Discus, and PEDro for original research from 1966 to 2002 with key words ankle taping, ankle sprains, injury incidence, prevention, ankle bracing, ankle prophylaxis, andnumbers needed to treat. Read More

Clin Sports Med 2004 Jan;23(1):83-95

Sports Medicine Research Laboratory, Department of Exercise Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, PO Box 842037, Richmond, VA 23284-2037, USA.

Based on the recent evidence, ankle bracing and taping do appear to have positive effects on ankle support. For example, both bracing and taping restrict inversion range of motion, with tape and stirrup-style braces providing the best support. Although exercise reduces this restriction, the range remains consistent with levels considered to be within the normal range. Read More

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2003 Nov;33(11):639-46

Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Research Laboratory, Department of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-9006, USA.

Although patellofemoral pain (PFP) is recognized as being one of the most common disorders of the lower extremity, treatment guidelines and underlying rationales remain vague and controversial. The premise behind most treatment approaches is that PFP is the result of abnormal patellar tracking and/or patellar malalignment. Given as such, interventions typically focus on the joint itself and have traditionally included strengthening the vastus medialis oblique, taping, bracing, soft tissue mobilization, and patellar mobilization. Read More

J Athl Train 2002 Dec;37(4):481-486

The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether subjects with functional ankle instability suffered kinesthetic deficits in the injured ankle compared with the healthy ankle and to examine the effect of prophylactic ankle bracing on kinesthesia in uninjured and functionally unstable ankles. DESIGN AND SETTING: We tested subjects over 4 consecutive days in a climate-controlled athletic training/sports medicine laboratory setting. A single-group time-series design enabled all subjects to serve as their own controls. Read More

J Athl Train 2002 Dec;37(4):446-457

Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN, Charlottesville, VA.

OBJECTIVE: To provide a comprehensive review of the literature regarding the role of external ankle support on joint kinematics, joint kinetics, sensorimotor function, and functional performance. DATA SOURCES: We searched MEDLINE and SPORT Discus databases from 1960-2001 for the key words ankle bracing, ankle support, ankle taping, and ankle prophylaxes. We also used personal libraries based on our own research to complement the existing literature. Read More

J Athl Train 2002 Dec;37(4):436-445

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN.

OBJECTIVE: An extensive review of clinically relevant research is provided to assist clinicians in understanding the underlying mechanisms by which various ankle-support systems may provide beneficial effects. Strategies for management of different types of ankle ligament conditions are also discussed. BACKGROUND: Much of the literature pertaining to ankle instability and external support has focused on assessment of inward displacement of the hindfoot within the frontal plane. Read More