Ankle sprain prophylaxis: an analysis of the stabilizing effects of braces and tape.

Five cadaveric ankles were used to determine the effects of prophylactic bracing and tape on resisting an inversion moment applied to the ankle. The ankles were tested in neutral flexion and 30 degrees of plantar flexion and with both low- and high-top shoes. Eight different strap-on braces were studied. High-top sneakers significantly increased the passive resistance to inversion afforded by all braces and tape. Many of the braces functioned to resist inversion at a level that was comparable with or exceeded the capability of freshly applied tape. This finding was independent of the type of footwear. Braces that were not as effective as freshly applied tape nevertheless retained the advantage over tape in that they could be easily readjusted and their effectiveness restored, whereas the quality of the support provided with tape deteriorated with usage.