In order to prevent ankle related injuries, ankle supports have been used for many years. However, the use of ankle supports should not be at the expense of athletic performance, range of motion or mental perception. Ankle range of motion (ROM), athletic performance and mental perception were measured under three conditions of tape (T), brace (B) and control (C). Twenty-four healthy males and fourteen healthy females who were recreational athletes participated. Any subject with current or past injury to the lower extremity within the last 6 months was excluded. All participants were tested on three separate days under a different randomized condition. The C condition had no ankle support while the T condition used a modified basket-weave technique and the B condition utilized the Zoom Ankle brace by Ultra Athlete. Following a five minute warm-up on a cycle ergometer and three sub-max efforts, participants completed three maximal efforts in the VJ, 20m and PA. Ankle ROM was assessed four times each day: pre-condition (PreC), post-condition (PostC), post-warm-up (PostW) and post-performance (PostP). Prior to and following each performance, all subjects answered a three question perception survey pertaining to the comfort, support and effect of each condition on performance measure. All measurements and support applications were administered by a certified athletic trainer and certified strength and conditioning specialist. Results demonstrated that ankle supports statistically decreased VJ height and clinically increased the 20m and PA times. Similarly, ankle supports decreased ROM before, during and after performance. Mentally, perceived comfort, support and performance were affected differently. While, comfort was perceived negatively with ankle support, support was perceived positively. During the VJ and 20m, ankle supports were perceived to negatively affect performance, while during the PA, ankle supports were perceived to positively affect performance. In conclusion, while injury prevention must be addressed, athletic performance, necessary range of motion and mental perception should not be compromised.
