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Peroneus longus stretch reflex amplitude increases after ankle brace application.
1Athletic Training Department, Indiana State University, Terre Haute 47809, USA. m-cordova@indstate.edu
British Journal of Sports Medicine
|June 5, 2003
Summary
Ankle bracing, particularly lace-up styles, immediately enhances the peroneus longus stretch reflex. Chronic use of semi-rigid braces also boosts this reflex, showing ankle braces do not diminish dynamic ankle support in healthy individuals.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanics
- Neuromuscular Physiology
Background:
- External ankle support is common in sports medicine.
- Concerns exist regarding long-term ankle bracing potentially diminishing dynamic support from the peroneus longus muscle due to neuromuscular adaptations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the immediate and chronic effects of ankle brace application on the peroneus longus stretch reflex amplitude.
Main Methods:
- Twenty healthy college students participated.
- A 3x3x2 repeated measures design evaluated stretch reflex amplitude under control, lace-up, and semi-rigid brace conditions.
- Measurements were taken before and after an eight-week bracing period.
Main Results:
- Immediate application of lace-up braces significantly increased peroneus longus stretch reflex amplitude compared to control and semi-rigid conditions.
- After eight weeks, semi-rigid brace use also significantly increased reflex amplitude compared to lace-up and control.
Conclusions:
- Initial use of lace-up ankle braces and chronic use of semi-rigid braces facilitate the peroneus longus stretch reflex amplitude.
- Ankle brace use, both initially and long-term, does not appear to diminish the magnitude of this crucial stretch reflex in healthy ankles.
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