Twenty-one subjects with functional ankle instabilities were provided with
an ankle support for all athletic and other physical activities for 3 month
s. Standardized tests were carried out at the beginning and after 3 weeks,
6 weeks, and 3 months. The following evaluation methods were used: KAT-2000
(static and dynamic), side stepping over 8 m, isokinetic force (Cybex 6000
), angle reproduction test, SF-36 score, and Weber ankle score. Use of the
ankle support improved both sensomotor and sport-specific abilities, partic
ularly regarding dynamic requirements such as in the dynamic KAT-2000 test.
Subjects using the support with functional ankle instability also demonstr
ated improved sport-specific capabilities such as those required in the fas
t side-step run. We observed no negative effect on sport-specific skills re
quiring joint stabilization isokinetic strength, even after 3 months. This
was also the case with mobility in the talocrural joint and speed in the si
de-step run. Our findings demonstrate that even after 3 months there are no
detrimental effects on sport-specific skills that require joint: stabiliza
tion.