External ankle supports and ankle sprains: A current perspective

Abstract

External ankle supports (taping and bracing) are used to aid in the treatment and prevention of lateral ankle sprains. This thesis critically reviews the current evidence and presents original research surrounding the effectiveness of ankle taping and bracing on biomechanical and functional performance outcomes. Chapter 2 highlights the effects of ankle supports on lower limb biomechanical outcomes during functional tasks (jumping/landing, running, walking, side cut) in people with and without a history of lateral ankle sprains, by presenting the results of a systematic review with meta-analysis that used a within-participant (repeated measures) design and compared outcomes with and without ankle supports. The scoping review in Chapter 3 explored the current recommendations and indications for ankle brace use. Based on clinical guideline recommendations (Chapter 3) and the results of the systematic review (Chapter 2) showing that ankle braces did not have an effect on biomechanical outcomes, this thesis set out to explore if ankle bracing had any effect on functional performance (Chapter 4) through a randomized double-blinded cross-over trial. This thesis set out to explore also if ankle taping had any effect on functional performance (Chapter 5) through a retrospective cross-sectional analysis. Drawing on the conclusions from previous chapters, an Australian national survey was developed (Chapter 6) in order to understand the current attitudes and practices of health care and sports workers using ankle supports to manage and prevent lateral ankle sprains. In summary, ankle supports are effective and their use has been recommended for management and prevention of lateral ankle sprains by both practitioners and guidelines.