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

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

The Effect of 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.

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.

Each participant will complete a baseline analysis of 1 minute of walking and 2 minutes of running, repeated 4 more times wearing 4 different braces. The analysis will be completed on the Walker View Treadmill, which used 3D camera technology to capture lower body kinematics. The treadmill also has load cells built in to capture gait characteristics

Each participant will complete the 1 minute walking and 2 minute running under 5 conditions [1] un-braced, [2] Active Ankle 329 Ankle Sleeve, [3] AS1Pro (a lace-up brace), [4] Eclipse 1 (single-upright brace), and [5] Eclipse 2 (double upright brace)

Ankle Dorsiflexion/Plantarflexion Range of Motion will be measured using the Woodway Walker View Treadmill which utilizes a 3D camera

Ankle Dorsiflexion/Plantarflexion Range of Motion will be measured for the last 30 seconds of the 1 minute walk, and the last 30 seconds of the 2 minute run. It will be measured during each of the 5 conditions.

Ankle Inversion/Eversion Range of Motion will be measured using the Woodway Walker View Treadmill which utilizes a 3D camera

Ankle Inversion/Eversion Range of Motion will be measured for the last 30 seconds of the 1 minute walk, and the last 30 seconds of the 2 minute run. It will be measured during each of the 5 conditions.

Knee Flexion Range of Motion will be measured using the Woodway Walker View Treadmill which utilizes a 3D camera

Knee Flexion Range of Motion will be measured for the last 30 seconds of the 1 minute walk, and the last 30 seconds of the 2 minute run. It will be measured during each of the 5 conditions.

Step Length will be measured using the Woodway Walker View Treadmill which utilizes load cells within the treadmill belt

Step Length will be measured for the last 30 seconds of the 1 minute walk, and the last 30 seconds of the 2 minute run. It will be measured during each of the 5 conditions.

Inclusion Criteria: healthy individuals who are able to run for 10 minutes total Exclusion Criteria: pregnancy, lower body injury