The effects of ankle supports on gait in adults: A randomized cross-over study. Issue 6 (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Keene, David J.; Willett, Keith; Lamb, Sarah E.
• Is Part Of: Journal of electromyography and kinesiology. Volume 25:Issue 6(2015:Dec.)
• Page Start: 973
• Page End: 981
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Gait analysis -- Physical therapy -- Rehabilitation -- Ankle -- Ankle brace -- Ankle support; Electromyography -- Periodicals; Kinesiology -- Periodicals; Electromyography -- Periodicals; Movement -- physiology -- Periodicals; Muscles -- physiology -- Periodicals; Électromyographie -- Périodiques; Cinésiologie -- Périodiques; Electromyography; Kinesiology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.740757
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2015.08.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1050-6411

Abstract

Abstract: We aimed to compare the effects of different ankle supports used after ankle injury/surgery on temporo-spatial gait characteristics. We conducted a randomized cross-over study including adult participants with no previous lower limb or neurological pathology, who underwent gait analysis on an electronic walkway in three different ankle supports, Tubigrip®, a stirrup brace and a walker boot. The 18 participants were an average age of 42 (SD 13, range 24–62) years and 14 (88%) were female. Compared to Tubigrip®, gait in the walker boot was slower (−0.19 m/s, 95%CI −0.23 to −0.16, P < 0.001), step length asymmetry was 10% (95%CI 9–12, P < 0.001) worse, single support time asymmetry was 5% (95%CI 3–7, P < 0.001) worse and participants also adopted a wider step width (4.1 cm, 95%CI 3.7–4.5, P < 0.001). There were no important differences in gait between the Tubigrip® and stirrup brace. The findings of this study suggest that there is a limit to the degree of normal walking characteristics in a walker boot in the absence of lower limb impairment. Further research is required to directly compare the effects of these ankle supports in clinical populations.