Influence of external stabilizing devices of the ankle on sport specific capabilities in a single leg jump test | Einfluß von externen stabilisierungshilfen am sprunggelenk auf sportmotorische fähigkeiten beim einbeinsprung

Jerosch J, Thorwesten L, Frebel T

Abstract

In order to document sport specific skills, 23 athletes with functionally unstable ankle joints as well as 18 healthy volunteers were evaluated by performing a single leg jumping test. For external stabilization of the ankle an Aircast-Brace, a Ligafix-Air-Brace, a Malleoloc-Brace as well as a tape bandage were applied. There was no negative influence on the jumping performance of the tested stabilizing devices in the uninjured ankle joints. There was also no significant difference between the devices. For functional unstable ankle joints most of the devices showed significant improvement of jumping performance. The best results were achieved by the Aircast-Brace, followed by the Malleoloc-Brace, the Ligafix-Brace and the tape bandage. Again, there was no significant difference between these devices. While the reaction time showed no difference in all test situations, the time for stabilizing the ankle joint was significantly worse in those ankle joints without a brace. Clinical Relevance: For athletic activities, which are dominated by movement patterns comparable to the applied jumping test, the tested stabilizing devices seem to have no negative effect on sports specific capabilities.