Comparing athletic performance, stability and comfort in athletes wearing the Under Armour(RTM) Blur Cleat in different conditions
Date
2014
Authors
Stryker, Sean
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
The AIM of this study was to determine if the addition of elastic taping or a neoprene sleeve alters performance, stability, and comfort in soccer players compared to wearing a soccer cleat without any external support. Twenty male club soccer players were recruited and randomly assigned to the 3 conditions. Functional testing and comfort assessment for each condition took place in one testing session, while stability testing was completed during a separate session. The only significant finding was improved inversion/eversion stability in both the elastic tape and neoprene sleeve conditions as compared to the cleated condition. The addition of tape or a neoprene sleeve did not have an adverse effect on performance or comfort during functional and stability testing, and should therefore be considered as a method to decrease ankle injuries in soccer athletes as external supports provide increased stability in inversion/eversion range-of-motion.