Midterm effects of ankle joint supports on sensomotor and sport-specific capabilities.

Abstract

Twenty-one subjects with functional ankle instabilities were provided with an ankle support for all athletic and other physical activities for 3 months. Standardized tests were carried out at the beginning and after 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months. The following evaluation methods were used: KAT-2000 (static and dynamic), side stepping over 8 m, isokinetic force (Cybex 6000), angle reproduction test, SF-36 score, and Weber ankle score. Use of the ankle support improved both sensomotor and sport-specific abilities, particularly regarding dynamic requirements such as in the dynamic KAT-2000 test. Subjects using the support with functional ankle instability also demonstrated improved sport-specific capabilities such as those required in the fast side-step run. We observed no negative effect on sport-specific skills requiring joint stabilization isokinetic strength, even after 3 months. This was also the case with mobility in the talocrural joint and speed in the side-step run. Our findings demonstrate that even after 3 months there are no detrimental effects on sport-specific skills that require joint stabilization.