The Effectiveness of External Ankle Supports in the Prevention of Inversion Ankle Sprains among Elite and Recreational Players

Abstract

Review Objectives: The objective of this review is to establish best practice in relation to external ankle supports in preventing occurrence and recurrence of ankle sprains among elite and recreational players. Review Questions: • What is the effectiveness of any external ankle support in preventing the occurrence of ankle sprain in recreational and elite athletes? • What is the effectiveness of any external ankle support in preventing the recurrence of ankle sprain in recreational and elite athletes? • The general objective of this study is to investigate evidence for the effectiveness of external ankle supports in preventing ankle sprains from occurring in the first place, and where sprains have occurred previously, preventing their recurrence, among elite and recreational players. • This study also aims to identify which of the external ankle supports have a higher level of evidence for their use. Criteria for considering studies for this review: Types of participants: This review will include any study involving any adult (18 years old and above) elite or recreational players (elite players in the national training pool, those competing in national or state events or those playing recreationally). Participants should not have or have incurred an ankle sprain that occurred as a result of participation in the sport. Studies reporting on players with existing musculoskeletal injuries other than ankle sprains, or post-operative cases will be excluded from the review. Types of interventions: External ankle supports are described as any type of ankle tape, brace or orthosis which is applied to the ankle with the aim of preventing ankle sprains. Outcome measures: Prevalence, incidence, count data of ankle sprains that occurred as a result in participation in the sport Incidence of adverse effects resulting from the use of the external ankle support.