The effect of ankle brace type on braking response time-A randomised study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Automotive Safety
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Brake response time (BRT) is crucial for driving safety.
• The impact of ankle braces on driving ability is not well understood.
• Assessing driving safety for individuals using ankle braces is important.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of different ankle braces on brake response time (BRT) in healthy individuals.
• To determine if range of motion (ROM) restriction in ankle braces affects driving performance.
• To compare the effects of various ankle brace types on braking reaction speed.

Main Methods:

• A crossover study design was employed with 70 healthy participants.
• Brake response time (BRT) was measured using a custom driving simulator.
• Participants' BRT was assessed under six conditions: no brace, various ROM-restricted braces, a ligament brace, and an elastic bandage.

Main Results:

• Significantly impaired BRT was observed with ROM-restricting ankle braces (unrestricted, 15° plantar flexion, 15°/50° dorsal/plantar flexion).
• No significant impairment in BRT was found when using a brace for ligament instabilities.
• An elastic ankle bandage did not significantly affect BRT compared to the control condition.

Conclusions:

• Right-sided ankle braces that restrict range of motion (ROM) significantly impair brake response time (BRT) in healthy individuals.
• Elastic ankle bandages and ligament braces do not appear to negatively impact BRT.
• These findings suggest caution when using ROM-restricting ankle braces while driving.