The effect of different ankle brace–skin interface application pressures on the electromyographic peroneus longus reaction time

Abstract

Electromyographic peroneal reaction time measurements is a well established and reliable method of assessing the dynamic defence mechanism of the ankle joint against ankle sprains. Ankle bracing has been proved to be an effective prophylactic measure against injury since it restricts joint ROM. However, its role in improving the dynamic defence mechanism of the ankle according to the skin–brace interface application pressure, is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different pressures of ankle brace application in the peroneus longus reaction time. Thirty-three young, male, uninjured, physical education students were measured under three conditions: (1) without brace, (2) with brace and 30 kPa application pressure and (3) with brace and 60 kPa application pressure, as measured by a pressure sensitive sensor. Peroneal reaction time was assessed with surface electromyography, during a sudden inversion stress test on a trapdoor. The results demonstrated significant differences between the control (no brace condition) and the two brace conditions, with a significant increase of the peroneal reaction time, with increasing ankle brace application pressures, more pronounced in the 60 kPa pressure. The findings of this study show that prophylactic ankle bracing when applied tightly, seems to have a detrimental effect in the dynamic defence mechanism of the ankle joint, since it delays the peroneous longus activation onset during a simulated ankle sprain. Whether different brace application pressures introduced in this study can affect the incidence of ankle sprains remains to be examined.