Function-Based Comparison of Bracing and Taping on Lateral Ankle Sprains

Lateral ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries associated with athletes. Based on the current evidence, external support has been found to be one of the most effective preventative measures for ankle injuries alongside neuromuscular training.Focused Clinical Question: The purpose of this review was to find the difference in effects between taping and bracing for the treatment of lateral ankle sprains when focusing of functionality using the Karlsson score or its components. Search Strategy:Participants were included if they were between the ages of 16 and 65, and reported with a history of an isolated lateral ankle sprain within 72 hours of the injury. Studies were excluded if there was previous history of ankle or lower limb injuries within the last year, any previous surgeries to the lower limb, chronic ankle instability, and current fractures. Computerized literature searches were limited to the Journal of Athletic Training and databases within PubMed, Cochrane, ProQuest, and CINAHL. In order to limit the number of studies found within each database, keywords were used in combination for search topics. Applicable studies were generated through this set of keywords: lateral, ankle sprain, bracing, taping, semi-rigid, function, and Karlsson. A total of 161 articles were reviewed from the given criteria and terms. This review is constructed from the seven studies that did qualify based on the set criteria.Evidence Quality Assessment: Scores of 3/10 –8/10 were received via the PEDroscale, whereas the Oxford 2011 Level of Evidence Scale scored each of the utilized articles as a 2.Results and Summary of Search: While taping may be a short-term fix, bracing could in fact be a better longterm solution. Tape can contour to the body providing reinforcement and maximal support to a previously injured joint however, movement reduces the lasting effects of the tape job by breaking down the elastic hold. Bracing provides compression and support however, it leaves the ankle weak and reliant on the brace. Overall weakness of the studies includes using a variety of rehab protocols, braces, and consistently low inter-rater reliability among tapings. Overall strengths of the studies include all studies using similar duration of treatment length and consistency between grade II or III strains. Clinical Bottom Line: There is not enough significant statistical evidence to be able to say that there is a difference in effectiveness between bracing and taping for the treatment of lateral ankle sprains when focusing of functionality. This review scores a “B” for the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy.Implications: Upon review, both taping and bracing have proven to be beneficial for the treatment of lateral ankle sprains. Taping or bracing however; should not be the extent of treatment. Treatment should include the use of strengthening, proprioception, and functional exerciseshttps://openriver.winona.edu/urc2018/1029/thumbnail.jp