An investigation to assess ankle mobility in healthy individuals from the application of multi-component compression bandages and compression hosiery

Background: An investigation was undertaken to compare the effect of multi-component compression bandagesand compression hosiery kits on individuals’ range of ankle motion whilst wearing typical and medical footwear,and barefoot. 

Methods: A convenience sample of 30 healthy individuals recruited from the staff and student population at theUniversity of Huddersfield, UK. Plantarflexion/dorsiflexion range of ankle motion (ROAM) was measured in participantsover 6 steps in every combination of typical, medical and no footwear; and multi-component bandages, compressionhosiery and no garments. 

Results: Controlling for age, gender and garments, the use of typical footwear was associated with a mean increase inROAM of 2.54° at best estimate compared with barefoot; the use of medical footwear was associated with a meandecrease in ROAM of 1.12° at best estimate compared with barefoot. Controlling for age, gender and footwear, the useof bandaging was associated with a mean decrease in ROAM of 2.51° at best estimate compared with no garments.Controlling for age, gender and footwear, the use of hosiery was not associated with a significant change in ROAMcompared with no garments. 

Conclusions: Bandages appear to restrict ROAM more than hosiery when used in conjunction with a variety offootwear types.