Ankle supports show different balance and gait patterns in injured athletes
A review found encouraging results for semi-rigid supports, but confidence in the evidence was low and the abstract leaves key comparisons unclear.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
The review reported better balance and gait with semi-rigid ankle supports, while soft braces were also linked to better dynamic stability. Rigid braces were often associated with restricted movement and poorer performance. These patterns suggest brace design matters, but low-certainty evidence and missing comparison details leave uncertainty about which support works best for injured athletes.
Evidence certainty was low because of methodological problems, including blinding and control of confounding. This abstract-based account cannot check individual study comparisons, follow-up periods or whether fewer repeat injuries actually occurred.
What the review examined
The researchers examined how ankle supports affected balance and walking after athletic ankle injuries. Because the studies differed, they summarized results in words rather than producing a pooled estimate across the included research.
Movement outcomes have limits
Reported outcomes concerned movement and balance, including inward ankle angles and dynamic stability tests. Although the authors discuss reducing recurrence risk, the abstract's results do not report repeat-injury outcomes, so that clinical benefit remains unestablished here.
The original publication
"Effects of ankle orthoses on postural balance and gait parameters in athletes with ankle injuries: A systematic review".
Gasavi Nezhad Z, Ansari M, Bahramizadeh M
Phys Ther Sport · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 41027186
- Record checked
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