Comparison Between Rigid Double Upright and Lace-up Ankle Braces on Ankle Range of Motion, Functional Performance, and User Satisfaction of Brace Characteristics

Background: Braces are often used before returning to activity following ankle sprains and also prophylactically in sports considered the high risk for ankle sprains. The purpose of this study was to compare range of motion (ROM) limitations, functional performance, and satisfaction of rigid double upright and lace-up braces. Subjects: In total, 30 healthy adults \u3e18 years of age (Mean, 22.6 6 2.7 years) without lower extremity injury and involved in regular physical activity participated in this study. Materials/Methods: Ankle ROM assessment and lower extremity performance testing (figure-of-8 hop, side hop, 6-m single-limb crossover, and square hop) was administered under the following 3 conditions: unbraced, rigid braces, and lace-up braces. A questionnaire was completed following the test protocol on brace characteristics and satisfaction. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used to determine the main effects on outcome variables of ROM, hop performance, and satisfaction. Tukey LSD post hoc comparisons were conducted on significant main or interaction effects (P \u3c .05) to determine differences between group by condition means. Results: In total, 30 participants completed the study. The lace-up brace limited plantarflexion and inversion ROM more than the rigid brace. When compared to the unbraced condition, both braced conditions resulted in better performance times, although not statistically significant. Higher satisfaction was reported with the lace-up brace on appearance, fit, prevention, and overall satisfaction. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: The ankle braces primarily limited ankle plantarflexion and inversion ROM, which are motions related to common reported mechanisms of ankle sprains. The braces did not negatively affect hop performance, and user satisfaction indicated a slight preference for the lace-up brace

Efficacy of a Guided Internet-Based Intervention (iSOMA) for Somatic Symptoms and Related Distress in University Students: Study Protocol of a Randomised Controlled Trial

Introduction: Persistent and distressing somatic symptoms are common in younger age cohorts such as university students. However, the majority does not receive adequate psychosocial care. Internet-based and mobile-based interventions may represent low threshold and effective extensions to reduce somatic and associated mental symptom severity. The planned study aims to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of an internet-based intervention in reducing somatic and psychological symptoms in an international population of university students with somatic symptom burden. Methods and Analysis: This parallel two-armed randomised controlled trial evaluates an 8-week guided intervention, including web-based consecutive modules based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) principles against a waitlist control group. Guidance will be provided by trained psychologists with weekly written supportive feedback. As part of the ‘Studicare’ project, the present study aims to recruit n=154 university students indicating somatic symptom burden at baseline in German-speaking universities. Self-report assessments will take place at baseline and after intervention completion (8, 16 weeks after randomisation). The primary outcome will be the severity of somatic symptoms and associated mental distress. Secondary outcomes include depression, (health) anxiety, disability, intervention satisfaction and adherence. Ethics and Dissemination: Ethics approval has been granted. Results from this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences