14 randomised trials with data for 8279 participants were included in a Cochrane review [withdrawn from publication]. All trials included young, mostly male adults participating in sporting activities. There was a significant reduction in the number of ankle sprains in people allocated external ankle support (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.69). This reduction was greater for those with a previous history of ankle sprain, but still possible for those without prior strain. The protective effect of ´high-top´ shoes remains to be established. There was limited evidence for reduction in ankle sprain for those with previous ankle sprains who did ankle disc training exercises.