THE DIFFERENTIAL-EFFECTS OF EXTERNAL ANKLE SUPPORT ON POSTURAL CONTROL

Ankle supports are commonly used in an attempt to decrease the risk of ankle injury during sport. However, their use may also impair postura l control, which is an integral component of sports participation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of three different a nkle supports (tape, brace, and elastic bandage) on postural control i n 24 normal subjects with a mean age of 24.8 years (+/-4.4). Two measu res were used to evaluate postural control in one-legged stance with t he eyes closed: variability of mediolateral ground reaction force (acq uired from a force platform) and frequency of foot touchdowns by the n onsupport leg (assumed to indicate ability of the subject to maintain one-legged stance posture). Both measures revealed a differential effe ct for ankle support on postural control. The use of an elastic bandag e had no significant effect on postural control (p > 0.05), while the use of tape or a brace had a significant detrimental effect (p < 0.05) . While wearing the tape or a brace, subjects were less steady and tou ched down more frequently. Restriction of ankle movement was offered a s a possible explanation for the results, since postural control was i mpaired only by the ankle supports which limited ankle motion. These f indings may have implications regarding impaired athletic performance.