Skip to content

Effects of Ankle Support on Muscle Activation and Function

Effects of Ankle Support on Muscle Activation and Function

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT01423513
Enrollment
26
Registered
2011-08-26
Start date
2011-03-31
Completion date
2012-03-31
Last updated
2016-03-04

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Ankle Sprain

Keywords

ankle tape, Hoffmann reflex, Balance

Brief summary

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of ankle taping on improving muscle function and ankle motion in individuals who frequently twist (sprain) their ankle. It is thought that ankle taping may increase muscle function and ankle motion which would benefit individuals who frequently sprain their ankle.

Detailed description

Previous research has demonstrated improved dynamic balance following the application of fibular taping. The effects of fibular taping on ankle dorsiflexion ROM and muscle activation in individuals with CAI are unknown. The purpose of this study is to determine the acute effects of fibular taping on muscle activation of the fibularis longus (peroneus) and soleus muscles, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) and dynamic balance. The investigators hypothesize that fibular taping will have similar effectiveness as mobilization interventions which have been shown to improve muscle activation, ankle dorsiflexion ROM,and dynamic balance. Outcomes will be measured immediately before and after intervention. A crossover design will be used and participants will complete two visits at least 48 hours apart, but not more than 1 week apart. After participants complete both arms of the study their participation will be complete (average time to completion for each subject is 1 week).

Interventions

OTHERFibular Taping

Tape with be applied with tension.

OTHERSham Taping

Tape will be applied without tension

Sponsors

American Physical Therapy Association
CollaboratorOTHER
Creighton University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE (Subject, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
16 Years to 45 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Age 16-45 years * History of one or more ankle sprains * Scoring at least an 85% on the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Sport or at least 3 on the Modified Ankle Instability Instrument (AII). * At least 5° ankle dorsiflexion asymmetry compared to the contralateral limb OR ankle dorsiflexion ROM less than 21°

Exclusion criteria

* Lower extremity injury or surgery within the past 6 months (including lateral ankle sprain) * Diagnosed ankle osteoarthritis * History of ankle surgery that involves intra-articular fixation * Potential for current pregnancy

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Changes in muscle activationAll study visits up to day 7To determine the changes in muscle activation of the fibularis longus and soleus muscles following a fibular taping or sham taping intervention in individuals with CAI. Changes in muscle activation will be quantified by assessing the H-reflex technique before and after intervention. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that the fibular taping intervention will result in a greater activation of the fibularis longus and soleus muscles than a sham taping intervention.
Changes in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM)All study visits up to day 7To determine the changes in ankle dorsiflexion ROM following a fibular taping or sham taping intervention in individuals with CAI. Changes in ankle dorsiflexion ROM will be quantified using a weight bearing lunge. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that the fibular taping intervention will result in a greater improvement in ankle dorsiflexion ROM than the sham taping intervention.
Changes in dynamic balanceAll study visits up to day 7To determine the acute changes in balance following a fibular taping or sham taping intervention in individuals with CAI. Changes in balance will be quantified using the the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Hypothesis: We hypothesize that the fibular taping intervention will result in greater improvements in reach distance in all three SEBT directions compared to the sham taping intervention.

Countries

United States

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026