Use of Ankle Braces in Football

Ankle Sprain Prophylaxis - Facts and Fallacies

In the Australian Football League (AFL) each team will on average lose 2.5 players to ankle sprains per season resulting in 5.8 games missed (Orchard & Seward 2002). Recent scientific reviews of ankle joint sprain literature with methodological validity has clarified the facts and fallacies associated with the prophylactic use of ankle taping and bracing (Cordova et al 2000; Handoll et al 2001; Thacker et al 1999; Verhagen et al 2000). In summary:

• The most common risk factor for all athletes is a past history of ankle sprain.
• There is a reduced incidence of ankle sprains associated with the use of ankle braces, with the greatest reduction in those who have a history of previous ankle sprain.
• Taping of the ankle region initially restricts the ankle movement by up to 40 per cent. However, approximately 50 per cent of that restriction will be lost after the first ten minutes of exercise.
• Balance training reduces the incidence of ankle sprains. Hume and Gerrard (1998) rated coordination training as effective as taping in the prevention of ankle sprains.
• There appears to be no apparent difference in the degree of the severity of ankle sprains by using a brace.
• Most studies indicate that appropriately applied braces, tape or orthoses do not adversely affect performance.
• There appears to be no change in the incidence in other limb injuries by using ankle braces.
• The time taken to recover from ankle sprain is markedly increased if the joint surface or underlying bone of the ankle joint is also injured.

Ankle sprain rehabilitation must include balance re-eduction of the injured ankle (Boyle & Negus 1998). Evidence would suggest a limited roll for standard ankle strapping; however, the newer ankle braces are comfortable and maybe a better option.