Open AccessThe Effects of Semirigid Air-Stirrup Bracing vs. Adhesive Ankle Taping on Motor Performance
Author(s) -
John D. Verbrugge
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
the journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy/journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.367
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1938-1344
pISSN - 0190-6011
DOI - 10.2519/jospt.1996.23.5.320
Subject(s) - stirrup , brace , bracing , medicine , ankle , sprint , athletes , vertical jump , physical therapy , physical medicine and rehabilitation , jump , structural engineering , engineering , surgery , quantum mechanics , physics
The impact on athletic performance is a critical consideration when choosing ankle support devices for competitive athletes. The purpose of this study was to determine if Air-Stirrup ankle bracing and adhesive ankle taping differed in their effects on motor performance. An additional purpose was to determine if there was a subjective preference toward the use of one support method over the other. Twenty-six male athletes performed an agility run, a 40-yard sprint, and a vertical jump while wearing: 1) adhesive tape, 2) Air-Stirrup brace, and 3) no support (control). Observed data suggest that both taping and bracing have no substantial effect on agility, sprinting speed, or vertical jumping ability. The difference in perceived comfort ratings reported by subjects with respect to support system shows that subjects were more comfortable using the brace over a standard ankle taping procedure. These results suggest that both the Air-Stirrup brace and conventional tape do not impede athletic performance. This study may assist athletes and clinicians in making a more informed selection of a prophylactic ankle support device when considering the effect on performance and comfort.