Southeast Polk High School

Mr. Hugunin
Anatomy Periods 5-6
Purpose: Design an experiment that researches different ankle braces,
their function, comfort, and effect on athletic performance
Learning Objectives:
Students will be able to apply knowledge of lower leg/foot anatomy
structures and physiological processes to create and experiment that
tests effectiveness of ankle braces
Connections to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):
Materials:
- Ankle Braces
Shoes
- Lab Procedure

- Protractor to measure ankle flexion

- Stopwatch

- Gym

- Vertical jump mat - Athletic tape

Procedure:
1. Students are broken up into groups of 3 or 4, designating two
test subjects
2. Students will be given a lab procedure with the following steps:
a. Choose two test subjects
b. Choose which 2 ankle braces you will be using (1,2, or 3).
Combination is up to you.
c. Control group will be no brace. Measure ankle plantar and
dorsal flexion of ankle with body protractor. Record data.
d. Choose 3 tests to do. (Squat, Vertical Jump, Jog, Blocking
Drill, Dot Drill) Record these in data
e. Determine appropriate length of test (approx.. 25-45
seconds)
f. Begin tests with control group
g. After each test, hand subjects spectrum of difficulty and
exertion, and comfort and stability of ankle brace
i. 1=easiest, 10= hardest. Record in data
h. Go through all stations and record data for every station.
i. Repeat above steps for the other two ankle braces. Record
all data
3. Students will design an experiment given within the parameters
given to them in the lab procedure
4. Students will go to the lab stations and begin basic testing such
as control groups, ankle flexion, and height/weight all of which
will be recorded in their data

5. They will then follow the procedure that they have created based
on a template similar to the one that they were given
6. Once lab is completed, they will make a table to consolidate their
data, and make it interpretable. They will label all axis and
points on graph however they choose as long as all data is
present and accounted for.
7. After completion of table, they will then analyze the experiment
and make conclusions by answering the following questions.
a. What were the controls in your experiment?
b. What test products were tested?
c. What tests were performed?
d. Which brace best supported the ankle?
e. Which brace was the most restrictive? What were the
effects on performance during exercise?
f. Which brace seemed to be the least effective overall?
g. Overall, to what extent to ankle braces effect performance
when compared to the control group? Explain your
conclusion with evidence.
8. Lab will be turned in and graded for accuracy of answers
***Below is picture of my research project poster from Drake.