Studies examining the effectiveness of external ankle stabilization have had conflicting results. Some reports have shown no change in injury rates, but most have found at least some decrease in inversion sprains. Two studies involving high school basketball and football players showed that the use of lace-up ankle braces (vs unbraced controls) reduced the incidence of acute ankle injuries but did not reduce the severity of these injuries. [20, 21]
The mechanism for this protection is still somewhat unclear. It seems logical that external devices should increase the structural stability of the ankle (ie, "stiffen the ankle joint") and make the ankle less susceptible to inversion. Although this is true to some extent, at least one classic study has shown that regular taping can lose most of its supportive effect after only short periods of exercise. [22]
How, then, does taping or bracing decrease the incidence and severity of sprains? A possible answer was suggested in a study by Robbins and Waked, which found that taped participants had improved proprioception both before and after exercise compared with untaped control subjects. [23] The authors theorized that the traction or pressure imparted to the skin of the foot and ankle via taping or bracing provided improved sensory input and thus improved proprioception, resulting in fewer ankle sprains.
However, in a systematic review and meta-analysis of eight studies by Raymond et al, theevidence suggested that using an ankle brace or ankle tape had no effect on proprioceptive acuity in participants who had recurrent ankle sprain or functional ankle instability. [24]
A study of 24 healthy university students by Long et al found thatthose who had above-average proprioceptive performance when not taped had worse scores when taped, whereas those who had below-average proprioceptive performance when not taped had better scores when taped. [25] The investigators suggested that taping might amplify sensory input in a way that enhances the proprioception of poor no-taping performers but causes an input overload that impairs proprioception in good performers.
A study of 53 netball players by Smyth et al found that ankle tape, whether applied by a sports and exercise physiotherapistor self-applied, led to improved proprioception acuity during a netball session. [26]
A study by Lohrer et al comparing the neuromuscular properties of taped versus untaped ankles introduced a measure known as the proprioceptive amplification ratio (PAR). [27] This number incorporates neuromuscular properties such as proprioception and degree of mechanical stress. These results indicated that taping did provide increased ankle protection.
A common concern is that prolonged taping or bracing of the ankle may result in weak ankles that are actually more prone to injury. Should this concern prove well founded, it would obviously make a strong case against the use of ankle taping or bracing. However, a study by Cordova et al suggested that this concern is unfounded. [28] These researchers determined that consistent ankle brace use did not change the latency to inversion of the peroneus longus (an important stabilizer of the ankle, particularly against inversion, the most common type of ankle injury).
Kemler et al compared 4 weeks of soft bracing with 4 weeks of taping in 157 patients with acute lateral ankle ligamentous sprains, assessing recurrence and residual symptoms at 1 year. [29] They found the rates of recurrence and the incidence of residual symptoms to be similar in the two groups.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 44 studies by Nunes et al found that Kinesio taping of the ankle did not yield significant improvement of ankle function or performance in either patients with ankle injuries or patients with healthy ankles. [30]
A systematic review and meta-analysis by Biz et al (eight studies; N = 270) of Kinesio taping in athletes with chronic ankle instability found that such taping was associated withimproved gait functions, reduced joint ROM in inversion and eversion, decreased muscle activation of the peroneus longus, and decreased postural sway in the midlateral direction. [31]
A study by Li et alfound that Kinesio taping could increase the isokinetic strength of the ankle dorsum muscle and plantarflexion in college basketball players with functional ankle instability, thereby improving their balancing ability during dynamic sport activity. [32]
FAQs
Indications. Ankle braces are indicated for ankle trauma with small fractures or without fracture, immobilization of the joint, postoperative synovitis, sprains or inflammations of the joint, weak muscles in the ankle, among others.
What are the pros and cons of taping vs bracing the ankle? ›
Typically, tape provides the greatest support only in the first 20 minutes. In addition, there are other advantages to bracing over taping. Braces are reusable and more cost effective in the long run. In comparison, traditional taping can cost up to three times more than a brace over the course of a season.
What is taping and bracing used for? ›
What Is Taping and Bracing? This is when tape is applied to a part of the body in a specific way in order to either stabilise an injured joint or facilitate the action of a muscle. For example, strong tape might be applied to an ankle after a sprain to help support the healing ligament and to prevent further damage.
What is the role of ankle taping and bracing in the athlete? ›
Ankle bracing and taping are used for the prevention of ankle injuries, especially in athletes with a past history of ankle sprains. The brace or tape is applied before practice or competition.
When should you brace your ankle? ›
Minor ankle ligament tears (Grade 1) usually don't require a brace unless you have to walk over very uneven terrain or want to continue playing sport throughout your recovery. You're very likely to benefit from wearing an ankle brace if you have a significant ankle ligament tear (Grade 2 or 3).
What are the indications for ankle binders? ›
This ankle binder is just an ideal pick to use for running, walking, GYM activities, hiking, cycling, and other exercises. Wrapping this ankle support can help recover from any ankle strains, sprains, and other discomforts. It wraps the feet and ankle portion properly and speeds up the recovery process.
What are the disadvantages of ankle braces? ›
Wearing an ankle brace can cause reliance
Wearing an ankle brace for too long can cause a reliance on it instead of the natural strength of the ankle. If your young athlete only wears an ankle brace after an injury and does not undergo rehabilitation, the ankle may remain weak, even after healing.
Is taping and bracing the prevention of ankle sprains? ›
Ankle ligament injuries as a result of a sprain are one of the most common injuries in athletes. Taping and bracing are both often used in the treatment and prevention of recurrent ankle sprains. These external ankle supports have been shown to be effective in the prevention of (recurrence) of ankle sprains.
What is the main purpose of bracing? ›
The primary function of bracing is to provide stability and resist lateral loads, either from diagonal steel members or from a concrete 'core'. For bracing frames, beams and columns are designed only to support vertical load, since the bracing system should carry all lateral loads.
When should taping be used? ›
The tape is commonly used by physiotherapists to:
- relieve your pain.
- improve joint stability.
- enhance athlete confidence.
- reduce injury recurrence.
- prevent injury.
- reduce strain on injured or vulnerable tissues.
- correct faulty biomechanics.
- inhibit muscle action.
Preventing Injury
This is especially used in areas of the body near joints, such as ankles, wrists, and hands. This added support can help prevent sprains, breaks, or other injuries that may occur from exercise and competitive sports. Athletes also use less restrictive tape to help prevent injuries.
What is the effect of taping on ankle stability? ›
Under taping, the skin is stretched, stimulating cutaneous aspects of proprioception, which, in turn, might affect somatosensory function, muscle strength, and postural stability. Such improvements in proprioceptive function enhance ankle joint performance and decrease the risk of ankle instability [15].
What is the effect of ankle bracing and taping on joint position sense in the stable ankle? ›
Simoneau et al95 found that tape straps adhered to the skin significantly improved joint position sense in nonweight-bearing plantar flexion. Heit et al94 noted that taping and a lace-up brace both significantly improved the ability of subjects to actively reproduce a specific plantar-flexion joint angle.
What taping helps prevent injuries? ›
Kinesio tape can be applied to weak joints to help prevent injuries. Elastoplast's Kinesio Tape is the gold standard when you need to control an ankle, stabilise a shoulder or protect a collateral ligament. Apply 1 piece of kinesio tape to the middle of your upper hamstring area.
Why do people need ankle braces? ›
Some of the top reasons to consider using an ankle brace for healing and wellness include providing joint support, preventing further injuries, limiting the development of scar tissue, reducing the risk of developing arthritis, reducing both chronic and acute pain, and eliminating the presence or otherwise decrease the ...
What are the indications for ankle gauntlets? ›
Indications for Use
Further indications include chronic ankle instability, talocalcaneal varus or valgus, severe pes planus, ankle arthritis, tarsal tunnel syndrome, and non-operative management of certain cases of Charcot breakdown and degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the hindfoot and ankle.
What is the indication of ankle-foot orthosis? ›
Ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) is a commonly used orthosis in patients having weakness in the ankle dorsiflexor or plantarflexor muscles due to several disorders such as stroke, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, and peripheral nerve injury.
Should I wear an ankle brace if my ankle is swollen? ›
After an acute ankle injury, I suggest wearing a rigid ankle brace. Put on a soft brace around 4 weeks after the injury. Soft ankle braces will help decrease ankle sprains and swelling. Finding an ankle brace you can be active in and supportive to prevent a new ankle sprain is a great long-term goal.
