A systematic review 1 including 8 studies (6 RCTs) with a total of 7 513 subjects was abstracted in DARE. The use of either tapes or braces reduced the incidence of ankle sprains. Next to this preventive effect, the use of tape or braces resulted in less severe ankle sprains. However, braces seemed to be more effective in preventing ankle sprains than tape. It is unclear which athletes benefited more from the use of preventive measures, those with or those without previous ankle sprains.
The efficacy of shoes in preventing ankle sprains was unclear. It is likely that the age of the footwear, i.e. newer footwear, plays a more important role than shoe height in preventing ankle sprains.
Proprioceptive training reduced the incidence of ankle sprains in athletes with recurrent ankle sprains to the same level as those without any history of ankle sprains.
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