EFFECTS OF ANKLE BRACE AND TAPE SUPPORT ON FOOT AND ANKLE MOTION ON BASKETBALL-SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE

Abstract

Six male basketball players participated in a study to establish the effectiveness of a brace and taping to restrict passive ankle motion and to assess their effects on basketball-specific performance. Results indicated a significant main effect for time of measurement and ankle dorsiflexion (both p = 0.0005). Both support systems significantly restricted inversion and dorsiflexion following application (p ≤ 0.05), while exercise only affected the support properties for inversion. No significant differences were found for performance of a 20 m sprint, vertical jump and a four-point run. On the basis of the support provided, neither the tape nor brace can be recommended, although the latter has advantages in terms of both cost and ease of use.