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Prophylactic Ankle Taping and Bracing: A Numbers-Needed-to-Treat and Cost-Benefit Analysis
Lauren C. Olmsted1, Luzita I. Vela, Craig R. Denegar
1The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA.
Journal of Athletic Training
|April 16, 2004
Summary
Ankle taping and bracing are effective in preventing ankle sprains, particularly for athletes with a history of injury. The number needed to treat varies by sport and history of ankle sprains.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanics
- Injury Prevention
Background:
- Ankle sprains are common injuries in sports.
- Taping and bracing are widely used preventive measures.
- Limited research quantifies the effectiveness of these interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of ankle taping and bracing in reducing ankle sprain incidence.
- To apply a numbers-needed-to-treat (NNT) analysis to existing literature.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed, CINAHL, SPORT Discus, and PEDro (1966-2002).
- Inclusion of original research with experimental designs assessing ankle taping or bracing effects on injury rates.
- Calculation of NNT from eligible studies.
Main Results:
- Three studies allowed NNT calculation.
- NNT for taping ranged from 26 (history of sprain) to 143 (no history).
- NNT for bracing ranged from 5 (history of sprain) to 57 (no history).
- Ankle taping was approximately 3 times more expensive than bracing.
Conclusions:
- Prophylactic ankle taping and bracing offer greater benefit to athletes with a prior history of ankle sprains.
- The effectiveness of these interventions may vary across different sports and populations.
- Further research is needed to generalize findings to broader physically active groups.