Comparative study of ankle support devices.

The purpose of this study was to compare the ability of four commonly used ankle support devices (Active Ankle, Aircast Sport Stirrup, DonJoy Ankle Ligament Protector and Malleoloc) to restrict active inversion range of motion before and after exercise. The subjects also compared the devices on subjective characteristics, including stability, comfort, and ease of application and removal. Eighteen subjects had both ankles tested for maximum inversion on a specially designed measuring apparatus during three sessions: 1) before application, 2) before exercise with the support device, and 3) after exercise with the support device.