[External stabilizers for the foot].

Abstract

The stability in the lateral direction is particularly important in indoor sports as well as tennis, where the frequency of injury at the lateral aspect of the ankle is considerably high (according to various sources between 20-30%). The goal of the present work was to discuss the reasons of instability at the ankle and the effect of external stabilizers. In a number of investigations the stability was measured via film analysis during sports activities in barefoot and shoe conditions. It was concluded that stability and blocking of a movement cannot be regarded as equal. The latter restricts necessary movements of the foot at the ankle and may also provoke large internal forces elsewhere. Negative in respect to stability are stiff and thick shoe soles, positive are: the torsional ability of the sole, softness of the shoe sole edge, the link between the shaft and the sole, shaft height, taping and bracing.