The effect of lace-up ankle braces on injury rates in high school football players.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although ankle injuries occur frequently in high school football players, no prospective studies have been performed to determine if wearing lace-up ankle braces will reduce the incidence and severity of ankle and other lower extremity injuries in these athletes.

Purpose

This study was conducted to determine if lace-up ankle braces reduce the incidence and severity of lower extremity injuries sustained by high school football players.

Design

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods

A total of 2081 players from 50 high schools were randomly assigned to a braced or control group. Braced group players wore lace-up ankle braces during the 2010 football season. Athletic trainers recorded brace compliance, athlete-exposures, and injuries.

SUBMITTER: McGuine TA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3729027 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature