Ankle Supports Enhance Only Psychological Aspects of the Ankle-GO Score in Patients With Chronic Ankle Instability

CONTEXT: Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is the most serious long-term complication following an ankle sprain. Taping and bracing are frequently employed in the return to sport (RTS) continuum to avoid injury recurrence and to maximize post-injury performance. The Ankle-GO score is a valid and reliable objective RTS criteria, but the influence of ankle supports on this score in CAI patients remains unknown.OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the induce effects of taping or bracing on the Ankle-GO score among patients suffering from CAI.DESIGN: Crossover StudySETTING: Sports medicine research laboratoryPATIENTS: Thirty CAI patients (13 males and 17 females, 33.4 ±11.7 years) performed the Ankle-GO score in three conditions (taping, bracing and no ankle support).MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The Ankle-GO is a 25-point score clustering 2 self-reported questionnaires (Foot and Ankle Ability Measure and Ankle Ligament Reconstruction-Return to Sport after Injury) and 4 functional tests (Single Leg Stance, Star Excursion Balance Test, Side Hop Test and Figure-of-eight test). Performances on each component as well as the total score were compared between conditions using repeated measures of ANOVA.RESULTS: Taping and bracing significantly and equally improved the Ankle-GO score compared with no support (12.8 ±5.3 and 11.2 ±4.2 vs. 8 ±4.5 points respectively, P<.001). However, significant improvements were found solely in self-reported questionnaires with ankle support (P<.001). No differences were found in functional tests, although both taping and bracing significantly lowered instability perception during the tests (+1.9 and +1.8 points, respectively).CONCLUSION: Ankle-GO scores were significantly enhanced with taping or bracing. However, only self-reported function and psychological readiness were improved. Functional performance was not altered, although external supports enhanced perceived stability. Both taping and bracing supports appear equally important in improving self-confidence and perceived ankle stability among individuals with CAI returning to sport.