Ankle Bracing Decreases Vertical Jump Height and Alters Lower Extremity Kinematics

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of ankle bracing on vertical jump performance and lower extremity kinematics and electromyography (EMG) activity. Twenty healthy college athletes participated in two sessions, separated by a minimum of 24 hr. They performed five jumps with no br...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of athletic therapy & training 2016-03, Vol.21 (2), p.39-46
Main Authors: Smith, Bradley, Claiborne, Tina, Liberi, Victor
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Ankle
Student athletes
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Summary:The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of ankle bracing on vertical jump performance and lower extremity kinematics and electromyography (EMG) activity. Twenty healthy college athletes participated in two sessions, separated by a minimum of 24 hr. They performed five jumps with no brace on the first day, and five jumps with both ankles braced on the second day. An average of the three highest jumps each day was used for analysis. Braced vertical jump performance significantly decreased ( p = .002) as compared with the unbraced condition. In addition, hip flexion ( p = .043) and ankle plantar flexion ( p = .001) angles were significantly smaller during the braced vertical jump. There was also a significant reduction in soleus muscle EMG ( p = .002) during the braced condition.
ISSN:2157-7277
2157-7285
DOI:10.1123/ijatt.2014-0143