Effect of Different Ankle Brace Types on Vertical Jump and Agility Performance in Volleyball Players

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine if the use of different styles of ankle braces, soft-shell or lace-up, affects performance levels in vertical jump and agility test performance in collegiate level volleyball... [ view full abstract ]

• PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine if the use of different styles of ankle braces, soft-shell or lace-up, affects performance levels in vertical jump and agility test performance in collegiate level volleyball players. METHODS:  Vertical jump heights and pro agility times of 18 female (age= 19.5±1.5 yr) collegiate volleyball players were assessed under three different conditions (no brace, McDavid 195 lace up brace, and Active Ankle T2 soft-shell brace). RESULTS: Results indicated that wearing different braces does not significantly impact vertical jump height (p= 0.32) or pro agility testing times (p= 0.94). The hypotheses were rejected and no significant difference was found between any of the three conditions and performance results. CONCLUSION: Braces are used to stabilize the ankle in sport to prevent or rehabilitate ankle injury, predominantly inversion of the lateral ligamentous complex.  The use of braces has been found to decrease vertical jump height as it limits the range of plantarflexion of the ankle. In this study, the use of different types of ankle braces did not have an effect on vertical jump height or pro agility times.