Effect of Ankle Bracing Vs. Taping on Vertical Jump Performance

Effect of Ankle Bracing Vs. Taping on Vertical Jump Performance

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of ankle taping and bracing on ankle plantar and dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) and vertical jump performance. Twenty males with no history of current or recent lower extremity injury were recruited to participate. Subjects randomly performed under three conditions on three different days, (T) taping, (B) bracing, and (C) control. Ankle ROM was assessed at four time periods each day: pre-condition, post-condition, post-warm-up and post-jump. Following the condition application, subjects completed a dynamic warm-up and then performed three maximal vertical jumps on a force plate. Relative ground reaction force (relGRF) and relative impact force (relIF) were measured by the force plate, while vertical jump height (VJH) was estimated using the time-in-air equation. Ankle dorsi-plantar flexion ROM was measured using a standard goniometer and expressed in total degrees. The same certified athletic trainer performed all tape and brace applications, as well as all measurements. ANOVA for ROM revealed no differences at pre-condition, but control was significantly greater than T and B at all other time points. Vertical jump performance was not different between conditions. Although T and B ROM was acutely decreased and then increased over time, values were still less than C. Therefore, within the limits of this study, prophylactic taping and bracing may be used to provide ankle support without compromising vertical jump performance.