Date of Award

Summer 8-1-2003

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Athletic Training

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to measure and report athletes' perceptions of the effects an external ankle support has on functional performance, and to gain knowledge ofwhat type of ankle support the athletes choose to wear. Design and Setting: A questionnaire containing demographic information and 4 construct areas was designed to focus on assessing high school male basketball players' perception of functional performance while wearing an external ankle support. Survey p~ckets were sent to high school certified athletic trainers (ATCs) to be distributed to each male basketball player. Subjects: Approximately 770 surveys were sent out to ATCs in the Wabash Valley and Indianapolis area. One hundred fifteen male high school basketball players (grades 9-12, averaging 16-17 years of age) responded to the survey, ofwhich Ill were used. All participants were informed that participation was completely voluntary. Those participating signed consent forms and obtained a parent or guardian's signature when applicable. Measurements: Indiana State University's Office ofResearch and Testing Center tabulated data from each construct of the questionnaires, from which descriptive information (frequency, means, standard deviations, and percents) of each response was calculated. Demographic information included: age, year of athletic eligibility, position, and number of years in organized basketball. A brief medical history regarding ankle injuries was taken. Questions inquired as to the preference of external ankle support, why a specific type of ankle support was chosen, and the athletes' prior knowledge of the potential effects external ankle supports may have on functional performance. Opinions of ankle bracing and taping were measured through questions associated with various tasks relating to functional performance (running, jumping, and agility). Results: The return rate was approximately 15%. Sixty-eight percent reported participating in 7 or more years of organized basketball. Seventy-six percent of the subjects experienced at least one ankle injury. The majority of these athletes saw an ATC and were advised to wear an external ankle support. Most of the basketball players surveyed were undecided about the comfort, fit, and effects of ankle taping. Despite the indecision toward ankle taping, male high school basketball players show no preference between ankle taping and bracing, nor do they feel that the use of external ankle stabilizers will have a negative effect on their functional performance. Conclusions: Certified athletic trainers play a major role in the treatment and education of ankle injuries, since many athletes are evaluated and refer themselves to athletic trainers when choosing an external ankle support. A comparison of this study's results to those found on collegiate female soccer players shows that athletes tend to value comfort and accommodation to sport-specific skills rather than existing experimental data when choosing an external ankle support.

Download

Share

COinS