The effects of ankle bracing on the activation of the peroneal muscles during a lateral shuffling movement

Abstract

The effects of ankle bracing on the levels and patterns of ankle muscle activation are not well understood. Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine this issue during a dynamic functional activity that involved marked ankle inversion. Design Within subjects repeated measures. Setting University Research Laboratory. Participants Fifteen female collegiate athletes completed multiple trials of a lateral shuffling movement, both with and without an ankle brace. Main outcome measures Frontal plane kinematics of the ankle and EMG data of the peroneus longus (PL) were recorded during lateral shuffling test trials at four time points: prior to brace application, after brace application, following 2 weeks of continued use of the brace, and 2 weeks after discontinued use of the brace. Results The results demonstrated no significant changes in PL activity across the four time points. Conclusions In contrast to previous reports, the use of an ankle brace does not produce immediate changes in muscle activation or changes in activation following short-term use.