The effect of footwear with a flexible ankle collar on function in individuals with chronic ankle instability

Individuals who develop chronic ankle instability (CAI) following a lateral ankle sprain (LAS) often experience diminished proprioception, reduced dynamic stability, and altered movement patterns during landing (e.g. increased plantar flexion and inversion angles) (Simpson et al., 2019). Using external supports (e.g. ankle braces or taping) may reduce the risk of recurrent ankle sprains. However, disadvantages include discomfort, impaired athletic performance, and taping often requires application by a skilled practitioner and loosens over time (Koyama et al., 2014). Soft ankle collars are increasingly popular in sporting footwear, but it is not currently known if these provide positive benefits in individuals with CAI. Complete contact between the collar and the skin over the ankle joint could improve known deficits and ankle motion in CAI (Burcal et al., 2017).