External ankle supports alter running biomechanics: a field-based study using wearable sensors

To evaluate the effects of ankle taping, bracing, and fibular reposition taping (FRT) on running biomechanics as measured with wearable sensors.

A randomized crossover study design was employed as 12 young adults (six males, six females) with history of ankle sprain completed four 400 m runs at self-selected pace on an outdoor track. One of four conditions (control, taped, braced, FRT) was applied prior to each run. RunScribe^™ sensors were heel-mounted on each shoe and measured kinematic (maximum pronation velocity, pronation excursion), kinetic (braking and impact g) and spatiotemporal (cycle time, contact time, stride length, stride pace) variables.

Compared to the control and FRT conditions, both the taped and braced conditions significantly restricted maximum pronation velocity (control: 767.8  ±  228.3° s^-1; FRT: 721.2  ±  213.6° s^-1; taped: 528.8  ±  193.6° s^-1; braced: 562.1  ±  178.3° s^-1) and pronation excursion (control: 17.1  ±  6.6°; FRT: 17.2  ±  6.6°; taped:11.9  ±  4.7°; braced: 12.9  ±  5.1°). Braking g were significantly higher in the control condition (12.1  ±  0.9 g) condition compared to the taped (11.6  ±  1.0 g) and braced (11.6  ±  1.2 g) conditions. Cycle time was significantly greater in the braced condition (677.8  ±  43.7 ms) compared to taped (669.3  ±  44.6 ms) and FRT (672.1  ±  44.2 ms) conditions.

Ankle taping and bracing were shown to be comparable in decreasing ankle kinematics and kinetics, while FRT caused minimal changes in running biomechanics. Taping and bracing may be beneficial in stabilizing and protecting the ankle while FRT should not be used to restrict ankle motion during running.