Effect of a Semirigid Ankle Brace on the In Vivo Kinematics of Patients with Functional Ankle Instability during the Stance Phase of Walking

Abstract

An ankle brace is commonly used by patients after they suffer from initial ankle sprains, reducing the incidents of recurrent sprain or limiting laxity in joints with functional ankle instability (FAI). However, whether the application of a semirigid ankle brace can improve the abnormal ankle gait kinematics of patients with FAI remains unknown. This study aimed to determine the effect of a semirigid ankle brace on the gait kinematics of ankle joints through 3D-2D fluoroscopy image registration. A total of 8 subjects with FAI (3 males and 5 females, 10 feet) as FAI group and 10 subjects without FAI (6 males and 4 females, 10 feet) as control group were enrolled in this study. Three-dimensional bone models created from computed tomography images were matched to fluoroscopic images to compute the 6 degrees of freedom (DOF) talocrural, subtalar, and ankle joints complex kinematics for control and FAI group with or without brace during the stance phase of walking. FAI patients had significantly less ROMs in inversion/eversion rotation of the talocrural and subtalar joint after wearing semirigid ankle brace. Laxity was observed in most of the displacements of the talocrural and subtalar joints in FAI group. The brace partly altered the ankle joints movement in opposite directions, especially joint rotation, and restricted the talocrural and subtalar joints in the dorsiflexion position during the touch down phase of walking.

Effect of lace-up ankle brace on the tibiotalar and subtalar joint during the landing

“…We found that wearing ankle braces decreased the maximum inversion angle of the subtalar joint during landing. This finding was consistent with that of a previous DFIS study ( Zhang et al, 2019 ). showed that a semirigid ankle brace could significantly limit the eversion-inversion ROM of the tibiotalar and subtalar joints during walking.…”

Effects of Kinesiotape vs Soft and Semirigid Ankle Orthoses on Balance in Patients With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…7-9 In addition, a recent study investigating the effect of a semirigid ankle brace on in vivo kinematics during the stance phase of walking in patients with functional ankle instability found normalization and alteration of the subtalar and talocrural movements in opposite directions. 57…”

“…[7][8][9] In addition, a recent study investigating the effect of a semirigid ankle brace on in vivo kinematics during the stance phase of walking in patients with functional ankle instability found normalization and alteration of the subtalar and talocrural movements in opposite directions. 57 Despite the results of studies that suggested a positive effect of ankle taping or braces on proprioception, a recent meta-analysis found no evidence that ankle orthoses or taping affected proprioceptive acuity in participants with CAI. 49 Other mechanisms such as decreased mechanical instability or improved confidence during functional tasks may thus contribute to balance improvements when ankle braces or taping are used.…”

In Vivo Foot and Ankle Kinematics During Activities Measured by Using a Dual Fluoroscopic Imaging System: A Narrative Review

“…DFIS studies have also found that ankle braces can limit the IN/EV of the tibiotalar and subtalar joints during the stance phase of walking ( Zhang et al, 2019 ). However, ankle braces neither limit anterior translation and the PF of the subtalar joints nor help the RoM of the subtalar joints return to a normal or near-normal level in patients with LAS and CAI ( Cao et al, 2019b ).…”