The role of ankle bracing in injury prevention, athletic performance and neuromuscular control: a review of the literature

Ankle bracing is widely used by sports participants in order to prevent lateral ankle sprains. Current evidence on the various effects of ankle orthoses reveals that not only they are effective in minimizing the risk of injury, but also they do not hinder athletic performance and other parameters related to function. This review attempts to present all currently existing evidence regarding the effects of protective ankle braces and even more importantly, to discuss issues that have not been adequately investigated and identify areas for future research.