External ankle supports alter running biomechanics: a field-based study using wearable sensors

Objectives : To evaluate the effects of ankle taping, bracing, and fibular reposition taping (FRT)
on running biomechanics as measured with wearable sensors. Approach : A randomized crossover study
design was employed as 12 young adults (six males, six females) with history of ankle sprain
completed four 400 m runs at self-selected pace on an outdoor track. One of four conditions
(control, taped, braced, FRT) was applied prior to each run. RunScribe ™ sensors were heel-mounted
on each shoe and measured kinematic (maximum pronation velocity, pronation excursion), kinetic
(braking and impact g ) and spatiotemporal (cycle time, contact time, stride length, stride pace)
variables. Main results : Compared to the control and FRT conditions, both the taped and braced
conditions significantly restricted maximum pronation velocity (control: 767.8   ±  228.3° s −1 ;
FRT: 721.2   ±  213.6° s −1 ; taped: 528.8  ±  193.6° s −1 ; bra...

Source: Physiological Measurement - April 24, 2019 Category: Physiology Authors: Christopher Gregory, Rachel M Koldenhoven, Michael Higgins and Jay Hertel Source Type: research