Midterm effects of ankle joint supports on sensomotor and sport-specific capabilities

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.