Ankle Braces

Active Ankle - TThe "T2" features a durable, quick-fitting single strap system that is adjustable for both high- and low-top shoes. That, combined with feather-light E.V.A. padding that hugs every contour of the ankle, offers a sleeker, less bulky brace while still offering maximum performance and protection. he "T2" features a durable, quick-fitting single strap system that is adjustable for both high- and low-top shoes. That, combined with feather-light E.V.A. padding that hugs every contour of the ankle, offers a sleeker, less bulky brace while still offering maximum performance and protection.	Products Active Ankle Brace $45.00 McDavid Ankle Brace $35.00 Swedo Arch loc Brace $60.00 Acommodators $20.00 SI Belt $30.00 Biofreeze $20.00 Patellar tendinits strap $20.00
Swedo Arch loc Brace - The Swede-O Arch Lok is a unique brace that combines the support of a hinged stirrup with arch support. This versatile ankle support is ideal for patients that have ankle instability combined with foot instability due to flat feet or high arch feet. The footplate provides critical foot and arch support to help rehabilitate a recently injured ankle.
McDavid Lace Up - Simulates athletic taping with fully adjustable figure 6-straps that don’t bunch or collapse. Straps can be retightened anytime without relacing which saves time

Do Ankle Braces Impair Sports Performance?
by Chris Cothern MSPT, CSCS

Important Points

• Most studies have shown very little decrease in performance by wearing braces.
   

• Applying a prophylactic brace can prevent an estimated 30 ankle sprains per 1000 athletic exposures.
   

• The positive effects of using braces and taping probably outweigh the small chance of decreased performance. 
   

• Based on review of many studies, athletes with moderate to severe ankle sprains, chronic sprains, or unstable joints should wear protective braces for 3 or more months.
   

• Lack of proper rehab and decreased levels of strength, range of motion, and proprioception
  are the main reasons for athletes re-spraining their ankle.

Many weekend warriors and elite athletes wear ankle braces during play.  We reviewed many studies to determine what is known about athletic performance and use of ankle braces.  Some may complain that they can not run as fast or make quick cutting motions with the braces.  Jumping tests on athletes using ankle braces long term showed no decrease in jumping and 26 athletes with taping and semirigid braces had no effect on agility, sprinting speed, or vertical jump ability. (1,2)  The Aircast SportStirrup and DonJoy Rocketsoc did not decrease speed, agility or vertical jump in high school players. (1) One study that used a semirigid brace on an ankle sprain that was stable actually increased shuttle run performance, but not vertical jump. (3)  A study has shown athlete's wearing an aircast used more energy and oxygen than those with just taping. (4) Only one known study has been found to decrease running speed with a lace-on brace. (5).  There are very few studies showing any negative impact on performance. In another study, the greatest effect of ankle support on performance was a negative effect of lace-up style brace on sprint speed (6) and the rigid brace which showed decreased values for the vertical jump (7) This last study supports the thought that an athlete may feel more protected and stable when wearing a brace on the ankle.  Also, the brace may restrict movement of the ankle to the painful range, and ankle pain would lead to decreased performance.

The type of sport involved and movements needed may play a role in deciding whether to wear a brace.  Parents and athletes should remember that the greatest restriction of motion of side to side movement is offered by the semi-rigid support condition, whereas taping offers the most support for limiting the toes and ankle from moving upward. (6) Applying a prophylactic brace can prevent an estimated 30 ankle sprains per 1000 athletic exposures. (2,7)  Reports indicate that up to 73% of people who sustain a lateral ankle sprain have recurrent sprains. (8)  Lack of proper rehab is the major reason why people re-sprain their ankle, which is another reason to use a brace early on.  Those with recurrent sprains and possible joint laxity should wear protective braces to prevent possible chronic conditions.  The braces and tape also may apply an edema reducing compression to the ankle, although swelling has shown not to be a main cause for decreased performance. (9)  The use of high tops may be an option, although evidence is not certain that they are better than low tops (8).  It is likely the newness of the footwear plays a more important role than shoe height in preventing ankle sprains. (9)  (see future article "When to Get New Shoes?") 

New research has shown that moving the trunk while standing on one leg with an ankle brace may transfer loads to other joints and contribute to possible knee injuries , but further studies will need to be performed (8,10).  If an athlete notices increased knee pain after wearing an ankle brace, have a physical therapist or physician examine him or her.  The athlete could have flat feet, which can contribute to knee injuries.

In conclusion, athletes should weigh the benefits and possible risk of lower performance with ankle braces.  The positive effect of preventing injury by using braces probably outweighs the small risk of impaired performance or increased oxygen/energy use. (6) Athletes should discuss the options available to them with their physical therapist, athletic trainer, and doctor.  Also, having the athlete on the field is usually more important to the coach than risking another injury.  A preventative program similar to AthletePlus that involves attaining an AthletiCore followed by appropriate exercises to increase stability has been shown to assist in preventing ankle injuries.  Evidence shows that daily ankle disk training assists in preventing ankle sprains. (8) Future articles will discuss different ankle brace options, although this is difficult to know without an evaluation of the athlete.

D. Chris Cothern MSPT, CSCS
Chris is the founder and owner of AthletePlus Physical
Therapy & Sports Performance located in the All-Star Sports Arena.

This article is provided for information and entertainment purposes only. The content is provided "as is" for general information and to educate the reader. The article is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The content should not be considered complete and should not be relied on to suggest a course of treatment for a particular individual suffering from a particular problem, issue or medical need. The reader should always consult with a qualified health care provider familiar with the reader's general health, background and conditions and follow the advice given by the health care provider. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before starting a new diet, treatment or fitness program. Do not delay seeking specific advice or care or disregard the advice of your health care provider based on information contained in this article.

References
1. Macpherson K, Sitler M, Kimura I, et al.  Effects of a semirigid and softshell prophylactic ankle stabilizer on selected performance tests among high school football players.
J Orthop Sports Phys Ther (United States), Mar 1995, 21(3) p147-52.

2  Jerosch J, Thorwesten L, Haverkamper U  Long-term effects of ankle joint orthoses on sports specific capability in handball.   Sportverletz Sportschaden (Germany), Sep 1998, 12(3) p102-6.

3. Quinn K, Parker P, de Bie R, et al.  Interventions for preventing ankle ligament injuries.  Cochrane Database Syst Rev (England), 2000, (2) pCD000018.

4.  Holl S, Thorwesten L, Jerosch J.  Effect of external stabilization aids of the upper ankle joint on sports-specific performance with reference to isokinetic strength measurements Sportverletz Sportschaden (Germany), Jun 2001, 15(2) p36-9.

5. Bot SD, van Mechelen W. The effect of ankle bracing on athletic performance. Sports Medicine Mar 1999  27(3):171-8.

6. Cordova ML, Scott BD, Ingersoll CD, LeBlanc MJ. Effects of ankle support on lower-extremity functional performance: a meta-analysis. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2005 Apr;37(4):635-41.

7. Verhagen EA, van Mechelen W, de Vente W The effect of preventive measures on the incidence of ankle sprains.  Clin J Sport Med (United States), Oct 2000, 10(4) p291-6.

 8. Arnold BL, Docherty CL. Bracing and rehabilitation--what's new. Clin Sports Med. 2004 Jan;23(1):83-95.

9. Rosenbaum D, Kamps N, Bosch K, Thorwesten L, Volker K, Eils E. The influence of external ankle braces on subjective and objective parameters of performance in a sports-related agility course. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2005 Jul;13(5):419-25. Epub 2005 Jan 29.

10. Santos MJ, McIntire K, Foecking J, Liu W. The effects of ankle bracing on motion of the knee and the hip joint during trunk rotation tasks. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon). 2004 Nov;19(9):964-71.