Context:​ There is little research studying the effects of ankle prophylactics on balance during functional movement. Understanding the effects of prophylactic devices on balance may help sports medicine professionals determine the type of device that would most benefit their athletes.

Objective:​ The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of prophylactic bracing versus taping on single leg post vertical jump balance.

Design:​ Quasi-experimental, within subjects, repeated measure design.

Setting:​ Controlled laboratory setting.

Participants:​ 15 California University of Pennsylvania NCAA Division II collegiate athletes with no lower extremity injury within 30 days of the study and no visual, vestibular or balance issues.

Interventions:​ Subjects were tested during a single session. All subjects performed a 5 minute treadmill jog at a comfortable pace set by the subject followed by a dynamic warm-up. Subjects performed 3 jumps after each randomly selected support condition was applied and their data were averaged for the three jump trials.

Main Outcome Measures:​ Anterior/posterior mean standard deviation of center of pressure (SDCOP), medial/lateral SDCOP, and overall length traveled.

Results:​ No significant main effect was found for support condition (F(2,28) = 1.454, p > 0.05) or for the support x instructor interaction (F(4,56) = 1.441, p > 0.05). A significant main effect on COP measure was found (F(2,28) = 81.388, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:​ This study revealed that there is no significant effect on anterior/posterior SDCOP, medial/lateral SDCOP, and overall length traveled when tested under various support conditions;​ brace, tape, control. With this knowledge, athletic trainers can continue to brace or tape athletes with confidence that balance will not be affected by either support condition.