Abstract

The effectiveness of external ankle support in influencing the role of a primary ankle everter during the application of an ankle inverting torque was examined by monitoring the electromyographic (EMG) output of the peroneous longus. Six male intercollegiate athletes were randomly placed in a balanced latin squares design, and were tested under three treatment conditions: (a) wrapped, (b) taped, (c) no external support. The subjects performed a backwardstepdown movement. During the experimental step, a trapdoor in the lower plat-form collapsed so as to form a potential ankle inverting angle of 30 degrees. Sixteen millimeter film was used to record each subjects stepping sequence. The film was in turn synchronized to the subjects recordings of EMG activity.Statistical analysis of the integrated EMG pulse counts showed a significant difference between the normal (control) and ankle inverting (experimental) steps. No significantdifferences were detected between treatments. It was concluded that the apparatus placed a measurable stress on the ankle and that preventive ankle strapping has no statistically significant effect on the tension developed in the preoneous longus during a quick inversion of the ankle joint. Verf.-Referat