Ankle tape and wearing an ankle brace during sports can both lower the chance of an ankle injury, but an ankle brace is typically regarded as the best option for ankle joint protection. A research published in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine followed 300 football players over a six-year period to evaluate the two types of ankle protection. They concluded that ankle braces were more effective at preventing injuries than was athletic tape. The study's authors recommended that athletes use protective devices such as ankle braces instead of relying on athletic tape to protect their ankles from injury. An article in the Journal of Athletic Training states that "the use of athletic tape by itself is not recommended because it has been shown to be ineffective in reducing injuries to the ankle." Instead, the journal reports that studies have shown that ankle braces are effective in preventing injuries to the ankle joint. There are several different types of ankle braces on the market today. Some are designed to help prevent injuries to the ligaments while others focus on providing support to the bone-joint system. It's important for athletes to select a type of ankle brace that fits properly and provides enough protection to lower their risk of injury. Studies show that using protective equipment such as ankle braces rather than sports taping may actually help keep athletes healthy. Ankle braces are also useful tools for preventing injuries to an already injured ankle.