Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 30, 2026
Evaluating Postural Control and Lower-extremity Muscle Activation in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability
Published on: September 18, 2020
Effect of lace-up ankle braces on electromyography measures during walking in adults with chronic ankle instability
Greg Barlow1, Luke Donovan1, Joseph M Hart1
1University of Virginia, 210 Emmet St. South, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA.
Background:
Lace-up ankle braces reduce the incidence of ankle sprains and have been hypothesized to do so through both mechanical and neuromuscular mechanisms.
Objective:
To determine the effect of lace-up ankle braces on surface electromyography (sEMG) measures during walking in adults with chronic ankle instability (CAI).
Design:
Randomized crossover.
Setting:
Laboratory.
Participants:
Fifteen adults with CAI.
Main Outcome Measures:
Surface EMG activity was recorded from the anterior tibialis, peroneus longus, lateral gastrocnemius, rectus femoris, biceps femoris and gluteus medius during treadmill walking with and without lace-up ankle braces. The dependent variables were sEMG amplitude 100 ms pre- and 200 ms post-initial contact, time of activation relative to initial contact, and percent of activation across the stride cycle.
Results:
When compared to no brace, ankle bracing resulted in lower pre-contact amplitude of the peroneus longus (p = 0.02). The anterior tibialis, peroneus longus, rectus femoris, and gluteus medius were activated later relative to initial contact (p < 0.03). The peroneus longus and rectus femoris were activated for a shorter percentage of the stride cycle (p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Braces cause a change in neuromuscular activity during walking. Clinicians should be aware of these changes when prescribing braces, as it may relate to the mechanism in which braces decrease sprains.
