Effect of Exercise upon the Measurable Supporting Strength of Cloth and Tape Ankle Wraps

Abstract

Observations were made on the supporting strength of three types of ankle wraps before and after exercise. The ankle wraps under investigation included the tape-on-skin, tape-over-stockinette, and the Louisiana wrap. A cable tensiometer and a mounted range of motion indicator were used to obtain simultaneous force and range of motion data as the foot was manually moved in plantar flexion-inversion. Ten college men were tested with each type of ankle wrap and with the ankle unwrapped under both pre-exercise and post-exercise conditions.

The results showed that although the measurable support varied with type of wrapping and with individuals, the supporting strength of all wraps declined substantially following exercise. The tape-on-skin wrap proved to be superior in supporting strength both before and after exercise.