The effect of self-adherent tape and lace up ankle braces on ankle range of motion and dynamic balance in collegiate football players

Context: Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in the physically active population. Previous research has shown that supporting the ankle with taping or bracing methods is effective at preventing ankle sprains. However, no research exists on the effects of self-adherent tape and lace up ankle braces on the restriction of range of motion and dynamic balance in collegiate football players. Objective: To examine the effectiveness of self-adherent tape and lace up ankle braces in reducing ankle range of motion and improving dynamic balance before and after a typical collegiate football practice. Design: Crossover. Setting: Athletic Training Room. Participants: Twenty-nine division I football athletes (age 19.2 ± 1.14yrs, height 187.52cm ± 20.54, mass 106.44kg ± 20.54). Interventions: Each participant wore each prophylactic ankle support condition during a single practice; self-adherent tape on one leg and lace up ankle brace on the other. Range of motion and dynamic balance were assessed three times on each leg throughout the testing session (baseline, pre-practice, post-practice). Main Outcome Measures: Range of motion was assessed using a goniometer. The composite score for the Y-Balance test was used to quantify dynamic balance. Results: There were no significant differences between the tape and brace conditions in range of motion (p=.10) or dynamic balance (p=.83). Conclusion: Both the self-adherent tape and lace up ankle brace provided equal range of motion restriction before and after exercise with no change in dynamic balance. Key Words: Self-Adherent Tape, Lace up Ankle Brace, Y Balance Test, Range of Motion