EFFECT OF ANKLE STABILIZERS ON SIDE SHUFFLE PERFORMANCE

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of ankle stabilizers on side shuffle performance. Eight healthy and active college students randomly performed six side shuffle trials in both directions; three without and three with an ankle stabilizer. Two dimensional (2D) kinematic and kinetic data were collected. The only significant difference was found in ankle ROM during braking and propulsive phases while traveling in both directions. All the kinetic data (impulses and peak forces in vertical and horizontal directions) were similar between conditions during braking and propulsive phases. Although the average horizontal velocity was slightly lower in the ankle stabilizer condition, the statistical significance was not met (P=0.06). The results suggested that semi-rigid ankle stabilizer had no significant effect on the side shuffle performance.