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Completed

NCT Number: NCT01423513

Effects of Ankle Support on Muscle Activation and Function

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Ankle Sprain Ankle Injuries Leg Injuries Wounds and Injuries

Age range

16 year–45 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Creighton University

Omaha, Nebraska, 68178, United States

About this study

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).

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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

Treatment and study plan

Fibular Taping

Other

Tape with be applied with tension.

Sham Taping

Other

Tape will be applied without tension

Primary outcomes

  1. Changes in muscle activation

    Time frame: All study visits up to day 7

    To determine the changes in muscle activation of the fibularis longus and soleus muscles following a fibular taping or sham taping intervention in individuals with CAI. Changes in muscle activation will be quantified by assessing the H-reflex technique before and after intervention.

    Hypothesis: We hypothesize that the fibular taping intervention will result in a greater activation of the fibularis longus and soleus muscles than a sham taping intervention.

  2. Changes in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM)

    Time frame: All study visits up to day 7

    To determine the changes in ankle dorsiflexion ROM following a fibular taping or sham taping intervention in individuals with CAI. Changes in ankle dorsiflexion ROM will be quantified using a weight bearing lunge.

    Hypothesis: We hypothesize that the fibular taping intervention will result in a greater improvement in ankle dorsiflexion ROM than the sham taping intervention.

  3. Changes in dynamic balance

    Time frame: All study visits up to day 7

    To determine the acute changes in balance following a fibular taping or sham taping intervention in individuals with CAI. Changes in balance will be quantified using the the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT).

    Hypothesis: We hypothesize that the fibular taping intervention will result in greater improvements in reach distance in all three SEBT directions compared to the sham taping intervention.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Creighton University

Other

Collaborators

  • American Physical Therapy Association

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2011
Primary completion
2012
Study completion
2012
First posted
Aug 26, 2011
Registry last updated
Mar 4, 2016

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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