Progressing Ankle Brace Restriction on Walking and Running Gait Characteristics in Healthy Individuals

A convenience sample of 20 participants, 18 years or older healthy individuals were recruited. Participants were excluded if they report being pregnant or being treated for a musculoskeletal injury. After explanation of the study and consent were obtained, each participant completed background information and the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT). Participants began by completing a 1 minute, 3mph walking gait assessment while unbraced, followed by a 2-minute, 6mph unbraced running assessment. Following the unbraced condition participants were randomly assigned into 1 of 4 conditions: [1] Active Ankle 329 Ankle Sleeve, [2] AS1Pro, [3] Eclipse 1, or [4] Eclipse 2. Participants placed an assigned brace on each ankle and then repeated the walking gait and running assessments. After this test the participants filled out a 10-item satisfaction questionnaire, and then were randomly assigned a second brace. The protocol was repeated until they have completed the walking, running, and satisfaction survey in all 4 brace conditions.