Clinical trial NCT01423513: Effects of Ankle Support on Muscle Activation and Function
Official title: Effects of Ankle Support on Muscle Activation and Function
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Overall status: COMPLETED
Phase: NA
Conditions: Ankle Sprain
Keywords: ankle tape
Hoffmann reflex
Balance
Lead sponsor: Creighton University
Sponsor class: OTHER
Collaborators: name: American Physical Therapy Association
First posted: 2011-08-26
Enrollment: 26
Sex: ALL
Minimum age (years): 16
Maximum age (years): 45
Standard ages: CHILD
ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: no
Allocation: RANDOMIZED
Intervention model: CROSSOVER
Primary purpose: TREATMENT

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).

Eligibility criteria: 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

Primary outcomes:
measure: Changes in muscle activation
timeFrame: All study visits up to day 7
measure: Changes in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM)
timeFrame: All study visits up to day 7
measure: Changes in dynamic balance
timeFrame: All study visits up to day 7
Secondary outcomes:
Other outcomes:
Locations:
city: Omaha
country: United States
facility: Creighton University
state: Nebraska
Study officials:
References:
citation: Grindstaff TL, Hanish MJ, Wheeler TJ, Basnett CR, Miriovsky DJ, Danielson EL, Barr JB, Joseph Threlkeld A. Fibular taping does not alter lower extremity spinal reflex excitability in individuals with chronic ankle instability. J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2015 Apr;25(2):253-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2015.01.009. Epub 2015 Feb 16.