Adam Knight

Effects of inversion perturbation after step down task on the latency of the peroneus longus and peroneus brevis.

Abstract:
The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of different types of ankle sprains on the response latency of the peroneus longus and peroneus brevis to an inversion perturbation, as well as the time to complete the perturbation (time to maximum inversion). To create a forced inversion moment of the ankle, an outer sole with fulcrum was used to cause 25 degrees of inversion at the ankle upon landing from a 27 cm step-down task. Forty participants completed the study: 15 participants had no history of any ankle sprain, 15 participants had a history of a lateral ankle sprain, and 10 participants had a history of a high ankle sprain. There was not a significant difference between the injury groups for the latency measurements or the time to maximum inversion. These findings indicate that a previous lateral ankle sprain or high ankle sprain does not affect the latency of the peroneal muscles or the time to complete the inversion range of motion.

Citation:
Knight, A.C. & Weimar, W.H. (2011). Effects of inversion perturbation after step down task on the latency of the peroneus longus and peroneus brevis. Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 27, 283-290.

Effects of ankle taping and previous injury on the latency of the peroneus longus.

Abstract:
The latency of the peroneus longus may be a key factor in the prevention of lateral ankle sprains (LASs). In addition, ankle taping is often applied to help prevent LASs. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a previous LAS and ankle taping on the latency of the peroneus longus after an inversion perturbation. Twenty-six participants, including 13 participants with no previous history of a LAS and 13 participants with a history of a single LAS completed the testing. Ankle taping was applied in a closed basket weave technique on one of the two testing days. The latency of the peroneus longus was determined by the onset of muscle activity exceeding 10 SD from baseline activity, after initiation of the 25 degrees inversion perturbation. A significant main effect (p < 0.05) was present for the ankle support condition, with ankle taping causing a significant reduction in latency of the peroneus longus (65.04 +/- 10.81 to 57.70 +/- 9.39 ms). There was no difference (p > 0.05) in latency between the injury groups. Ankle taping, immediately after application, reduces the latency of the peroneus longus among participants with and without a history of a LAS.

Citation:
Knight, A.C. & Weimar, W.H. (2012). Effects of ankle taping and previous injury on the latency of the peroneus longus. Sports Biomechanics, 11, 48-56.

Effects of ankle taping on single and double leg balance

Abstract:
Ankle sprains are a common injury and athletic tape is often applied to help prevent this injury. The effects of ankle taping on balance are relatively unknown. Additionally, the dominant and non-dominant legs often have different demands placed upon them and may yield different balance scores. Twenty five healthy participants (18 female, 7 male; age=20.5+1.19 years; mass=69.24+12.72 kg; height=1.69+.087 m) completed double and single leg balance assessments with the eyes open and eyes closed under three ankle support conditions: no ankle tape, PowerTape™, and Coach™ Tape, on the Neurocom Basic BalanceMaster™. Balance assessments were completed before ankle taping (pre-test), immediately after ankle taping (acute-test), and after 20 minutes of walking (post-test). The sway velocity of the participants’ center of gravity (deg/sec) was the dependent variable. A significant three way interaction was found for the single leg, eyes closed assessment (P = .037), with increased postural sway for the PowerTape™ condition. The non-dominant leg had significantly less sway velocity than the dominant leg for the eyes open condition (P < .001). These results indicate differing affects on balance for different types of athletic tape.

Citation:
Knight, A.C. & Weimar, W.H. (2010). Effects of ankle taping on single and double leg balance. Sport Science Review, 19, 5-19.

Influence of ankle taping on the kinetics of a lateral jump

Abstract:
Lateral ankle sprains often occur during foot placement when landing from a jump. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of four different types of athletic tape on the medial/lateral component of the ground reaction force during a lateral jump. The tapes tested included two new types of adhesive tape developed by Cramer, Coach Tape by Johnson and Johnson, and PowerTape by Andover. Thirty Three healthy participants were tested on four separate days. The peak medial/lateral component of the ground reaction force was recorded using an AMTI force platform during the lateral jump. The participants were randomly assigned to one of the 4 tape conditions each day. A Certified Athletic Trainer applied a closed basketweave tape procedure to both ankles. The participants performed a lateral jump onto and off of the force platform, initiating the jump with the left leg. The test was performed before ankle taping, immediately after ankle taping, and after 30 minutes of walking. The data was analyzed with a 4 x 3 ANOVA. There was no significant interaction nor main effects for test or taping condition. These results revealed that all four types of tape produced a similar medial/lateral force during the lateral jump.

Citation:
Knight, A.C., Shroyer, J.F., Sumner, A.M., Booker, J.E., & Weimar, W.H. (2009) Influence of ankle taping on the kinetics of a lateral jump. Medicine and Science in Sports & Exercise, 41(5), S391.