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| Prophylactic Ankle Taping and Bracing: A Numbers-Needed-to-Treat and Cost-Benefit Analysis |
| Source: Olmsted LC, Vela LI, Denegar CR, et al: Journal of Athletic Training 39(1): 95–100, 2004 |
| Summary: The high incidence of ankle sprains in sports and the residual disability that occurs due to the sprains has led to implementation of prophylactic bracing or taping in many sports. Utilizing previously published studies plus a numbers-needed-to treat (NNT) analysis the authors were able to ascertain the benefit of prevention and the cost for that prevention. The authors conclude after analyzing published papers that“…cost-benefit analysis of ankle taping versus bracing revealed taping to be approximately 3 times more expensive than bracing.” The cost-benefit not only determines the least cost, but also places values on effectiveness. The Aircast Air-Stirrup was the prophylactic brace of choice in the articles cited.
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