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Int J Sports Med 2015; 36(07): 592-595
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1396824
Orthopedics & Biomechanics
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Influence of Ankle Braces on the Maximum Strength of Plantar and Toe Flexor Muscles

J. Yamauchi   *
1   Graduate School of Human Health Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan, University, Tokyo, Japan
2   Future Institute for Sport Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
3   Research Center in Back, Neck, Other Joint Pain and Human Performance (BNOJPH), Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
,
K. Koyama   *
1   Graduate School of Human Health Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan, University, Tokyo, Japan
4   Department of Sport Technology, Toin University of Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History



accepted after revision 07 October 2014

Publication Date:
01 April 2015 (online)

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Abstract

This study sought to investigate the influence of ankle braces on maximum strength of plantar and toe flexor muscles. 21 healthy participants volunteered, and their maximum isometric toe flexor muscle strength (TFS), plantar flexor muscle strength (PFS) and passive range of motion of the ankle joint (ROM) were measured. TFS, PFS and ROM were compared among barefoot as a control (BAR), ankle support (SUP) and ankle splint (SPL) conditions. TFS was significantly lower in SPL (90.7±32.5 N, p<0.0001) compared to BAR (117.3±39.5 N) and it was significantly lower in SPL than in SUP (110.5±36.7 N, p=0.0001), whereas it was not significantly different between SUP and BAR (p=0.2587). On the contrary, PFS and ROM were significantly lower in SUP (p=0.0087 for PFS; p=0.0095 for ROM) and SPL (p<0.0001 for PFS; p<0.0001 for ROM) compared to BAR, and they were significantly lower in SPL than in SUP (p=0.0073 for PFS; p<0.0001 for ROM). The ankle support could provide ankle joint stabilization without a large decrease in the muscle strength of the foot. The proper use of an ankle brace is required to prevent major impairment of the muscle functions of the ankle-foot complex.

Key words

ankle stabilizers - toe grip dynamometer - isometric muscle contraction

* These authors have made equal contribution to this work.


 

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