Taping and semirigid bracing may not affect ankle functional range of motion

The comparative effects of adhesive tape and three semirigid ankle orthoses on ankle functional range of motion were studied on 11 college football athletes. Maximum plantar flexion and maximum dorsiflexion were measured under five conditions to determine functional range of motion. Testing conditions included: control (no supportive device), adhesive tape with moleskin, the Airstirrup "Training" orthosis, the Active Ankle "Trainer" orthosis, and the Ankle Ligament Protector. A 200-Hz video camera was used to record subjects' motions in the sagittal plane while they ran a series of 40-yd sprints. Videotape was analyzed with the Peak Performance Technology Motion Measurement System. Data were analyzed with a Repeated Measures MANOVA. Differences were found among treatments for maximum plantar flexion and functional range of motion. Follow-up analyses indicated that the Ankle Ligament Protector was the only supportive device that was significantly more restrictive than the control. The Airstirrup, Active Ankle, and adhesive tape with moleskin do not significantly affect functional range of motion during running.