Long-term ankle brace use does not affect peroneus longus muscle latency during sudden inversion in normal subjects

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Neuromuscular Adaptations
• Biomechanics

Background:

• External ankle supports are common in sports medicine.
• Concerns exist regarding potential neuromuscular adaptations from prolonged ankle bracing, specifically diminished dynamic support from the peroneus longus muscle.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of long-term ankle bracing on peroneus longus latency in healthy individuals.
• To evaluate the immediate effects of ankle bracing on peroneus longus latency before extended use.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 20 physically active college students with no prior lower extremity injuries.
• Utilized a 3x3x2 repeated measures design.
• Peroneus longus latency was measured via electromyography following sudden foot inversion.

Main Results:

• Neither lace-up nor semirigid ankle braces affected peroneus longus latency.
• Eight weeks of continuous ankle brace use did not alter peroneus longus latency.

Conclusions:

• Extended use of external ankle supports does not facilitate or inhibit the peroneus longus stretch reflex latency.
• Proprioceptive input from the peroneus longus muscle spindles remains unaffected by long-term ankle brace usage.