Effects of a Tape Cast, Air-Stirrup, and an Air-Stirrup Applied Over a Taped Ankle on Dynamic Ankle Inversion
Objective: To compare the tape cast, and an Air-Stirrup/closed basketweave combination to the Air-Stirrup alone with respect to their effects on dynamic ankle inversion. Design and Setting: This study used a repeated measures design with the independent variables being the exercise bout and the ankle support method (4 levels: no support, Air-Stirrup only, Air-Stirrup/closed basketweave, and tape cast). The 2 dependent variables were total inversion and maximum inversion velocity. Measurements were taken before and after an exercise bout, and all trials were conducted in the university's human performance laboratory. Subjects: 16 subjects (11 male, 5 female, age 24.3 ± 1.8 years) with no ankle injury within 6 months prior to participation participated in this study. Measurements: Subjects stood on an inversion platform, which rotated 37° in the frontal plane, creating dynamic inversion of the ankle. Total inversion and maximum inversion velocity were calculated using electrogoniometers. A linear growth curve was used to model pre to post exercise differences. Results: There was a significant difference between the control and the 3 support methods for both variables. The effects of the Air-Stirrup/closed basketweave were similar to the effects of the Air-Stirrup alone. There was no significant difference between the tape cast and the Air-Stirrup. Conclusions: All 3 support methods significantly reduce total ankle inversion and maximum inversion velocity. When compared with the Air-Stirrup alone, the tape cast and the tape/brace combination both are similar in their effects on total ankle inversion and maximum inversion velocity.
inversion platform, moleskin, air cast, Exercise Science
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