COMPARATIVE-STUDY OF ANKLE SUPPORT DEVICES

The purpose of this study was to compare the ability of four commonly used ankle support devices (Active Ankle(R)1, Aircast Sport Stirrup(R) 2, DonJoy Ankle Ligament Protector(R)3 and Malleoloc(R)4) to restrict active inversion range of motion before and after exercise. The subjec ts also compared the devices on subjective characteristics, including stability, comfort, and ease of application and removal. Eighteen subj ects had both ankles tested for maximum inversion on a specially desig ned measuring apparatus during three sessions: 1) before application, 2) before exercise with the support device, and 3) after exercise with the support device.