The Effectiveness of Foot Orthotics in Improving Postural Control in Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Critically Appraised Topic

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael L. Gabriner ◽  
Brittany A. Braun ◽  
Megan N. Houston ◽  
Matthew C. Hoch

Clinical Scenario:Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a condition commonly experienced by physically active individuals. It has been suggested that foot orthotics may increase a CAI patient’s postural control.Clinical Question:For patients with CAI, is there evidence to suggest that an orthotic intervention will help improve postural control?Summary of Key Findings:The literature was searched for studies of level 2 evidence or higher that investigated the effects of foot orthotics on postural control in patients with CAI. The search of the literature produced 5 possible studies for inclusion; 2 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included. One randomized controlled trial and 1 outcomes study were included. Foot orthotics appear to be effective at improving postural control in patients with CAI.Clinical Bottom Line:There is moderate evidence to support the use of foot orthotics in the treatment of CAI to help improve postural control.Strength of Recommendation:There is grade B evidence that foot orthotics help improve postural control in people with CAI. The Centre of Evidence Based Medicine recommends a grade of B for level 2 evidence with consistent findings.

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 205-210
Author(s):  
Bradley C. Jackson ◽  
Robert T. Medina ◽  
Stephanie H. Clines ◽  
Julie M. Cavallario ◽  
Matthew C. Hoch

Clinical Scenario: History of acute ankle sprains can result in chronic ankle instability (CAI). Arthrokinematic changes resulting from CAI may restrict range of motion and contribute to postural control deficits. Mulligan or fibular reposition taping (FRT) has been suggested as a means to realign fibular positional faults and may be an effective way to improve postural control and balance in patients with CAI. Clinical Question: Is there evidence to suggest that FRT will improve postural control for patients with CAI in the affected limb compared with no taping? Summary of Key Findings: Three of the 4 included studies found no significant difference in postural control in patients receiving FRT compared with sham or no tape. Clinical Bottom Line: There is moderate evidence refuting the use of FRT to improve postural control in patients with CAI. Strength of Recommendation: There is grade B evidence to support that FRT does not improve postural control in people with CAI.


2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 186-192
Author(s):  
Jennifer F. Mullins ◽  
Arthur J. Nitz ◽  
Matthew C. Hoch

Clinical Scenario: Chronic ankle instability (CAI) and its associated recurrent sprains, feelings of instability, and decreased function occur in approximately 40% of individuals that suffer an ankle sprain. Despite these continued deficits, more effective treatment has yet to be established. Decreased sensorimotor function has been associated with CAI and may be amenable to dry needling treatment, thereby improving patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Focused Clinical Question: Does dry needling improve PROs in individuals with CAI? Summary of Key Findings: Two studies were identified that examined dry needling in participants with CAI. One of the two studies reported improvements in PROs (PEDro score 7/10) while the other study did not identify any changes (PEDro score 9/10). The inconsistent results were likely related to different treatment durations and follow-up timelines across the included evidence. Clinical Bottom Line: Based on the included studies, there is inconsistent evidence that dry needling can improve PROs in individuals with CAI. Strength of Recommendation: Utilizing the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT) guidelines, level B evidence exists to recommend dry needling treatment to improve PROs for individuals with CAI.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Katherine L. Helly ◽  
Katherine A. Bain ◽  
Phillip A. Gribble ◽  
Matthew C. Hoch

Clinical Scenario: Patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI) demonstrate deficits in both sensory and motor function, which can be objectively evaluated through static postural control testing. One intervention that has been suggested to improve somatosensation and, in turn, static postural control is plantar massage. Clinical Question: Does plantar massage improve static postural control during single-limb stance in patients with CAI relative to baseline? Summary of Key Findings: A search was performed for articles exploring the effect of plantar massage on static postural control in individuals with CAI. Three articles were included in this critically appraised topic including 1 randomized controlled trial and 2 crossover studies. All studies supported the use of plantar massage to improve static postural control in patients with CAI. Clinical Bottom Line: There is currently good-quality and consistent evidence that supports the use of plantar massage as an intervention that targets the somatosensory system to improve static postural control in patients with CAI. Future research should focus on incorporating plantar massage as a treatment intervention during long-term rehabilitation protocols for individuals with CAI. Strength of Recommendation: In agreement with the Center of Evidence-Based Medicine, the consistent results from 2 crossover studies and 1 randomized controlled trial designate that there is level B evidence due to consistent, moderate- to high-quality evidence.


2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 94-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle M. DeBruyne ◽  
Marina M. Dewhurst ◽  
Katelyn M. Fischer ◽  
Michael S. Wojtanowski ◽  
Chris Durall

Clinical Scenario:Increasing the length of the muscle–tendon unit may prevent musculotendinous injury. Various methods have been proposed to increase muscle–tendon flexibility, including self-mobilization using foam rollers or roller massagers, although the effectiveness of these devices is uncertain. This review was conducted to determine if the use of foam rollers or roller massagers to improve hamstrings flexibility is supported by moderate- to high-quality evidence.Clinical Question:Are foam rollers or roller massagers effective for increasing hamstrings flexibility in asymptomatic physically active adults?Summary of Key Findings:The literature was searched for studies on the effects of using foam rollers or roller massagers to increase hamstrings flexibility in asymptomatic physically active adults. Four randomized controlled trials were included; 2 studies provided level 2 or 3 evidence regarding foam rollers and 2 studies provided level 2 or 3 evidence regarding roller massagers. Both roller-massager studies reported increases in hamstrings flexibility after treatment. Data from the foam-roller studies did not demonstrate a statistically significant increase in hamstrings flexibility, but 1 study did demonstrate a strong effect size.Clinical Bottom Line:The reviewed moderate-quality studies support the use of roller massagers but provide limited evidence on the effectiveness of foam rolling to increase hamstrings flexibility in asymptomatic physically active adults. Flexibility gains may be improved by a longer duration of treatment and administration by a trained therapist. Gains appear to decline rapidly postrolling. Neither device has been shown to confer a therapeutic benefit superior to static stretching, and the effectiveness of these devices for preventing injury is unknown.Strength of Recommendation:Grade B evidence supports the use of roller massagers to increase hamstrings flexibility in asymptomatic physically active adults.


2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 404-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heidi Krueger ◽  
Shannon David

Clinical Scenario:There are 2 approaches available for surgical repair of the Achilles tendon: open or percutaneous. However, there is controversy over which repair is superior.Focused Clinical Question:Which type of surgery is better in providing the best overall patient outcome, open or percutaneous repair, in physically active men and women with acute Achilles tendon ruptures?Summary of Search, “Best Evidence” Appraised, and Key Findings:The literature was searched for studies of level 3 evidence or higher that investigated the effectiveness of open repair versus percutaneous repair on acute Achilles tendon ruptures in physically active men and women. The literature search resulted in 3 studies for possible inclusion. All 3 good-quality studies were included.Clinical Bottom Line:There is supporting evidence to indicate that percutaneous repair is the best option for Achilles tendon surgery when it comes to the physically active population. Percutaneous repair has faster surgery times, less risk of complications, and faster recovery times over having an open repair, although it is acknowledged that every patient has a different situation and best individual option may vary patient to patient.


2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (7) ◽  
pp. 629-635 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erik A. Wikstrom ◽  
Kyeongtak Song ◽  
Ashley Lea ◽  
Nastassia Brown

Context:  One of the major concerns after an acute lateral ankle sprain is the potential for development of chronic ankle instability (CAI). The existing research has determined that clinician-delivered plantar massage improves postural control in those with CAI. However, the effectiveness of self-administered treatments and the underlying cause of any improvements remain unclear. Objectives:  To determine (1) the effectiveness of a self-administered plantar-massage treatment in those with CAI and (2) whether the postural-control improvements were due to the stimulation of the plantar cutaneous receptors. Design:  Crossover study. Setting:  University setting. Patients or Other Participants:  A total of 20 physically active individuals (6 men and 14 women) with self-reported CAI. Intervention(s):  All participants completed 3 test sessions involving 3 treatments: a clinician-delivered manual plantar massage, a patient-delivered self-massage with a ball, and a clinician-delivered sensory brush massage. Main Outcome Measure(s):  Postural control was assessed using single-legged balance with eyes open and the Star Excursion Balance Test. Results:  Static postural control improved (P ≤ .014) after each of the interventions. However, no changes in dynamic postural control after any of the interventions were observed (P > .05). No differences were observed between a clinician-delivered manual plantar massage and either a patient-delivered self-massage with a ball or a clinician-delivered sensory brush massage in any postural-control outcome. Conclusions:  In those with CAI, single 5-minute sessions of traditional plantar massage, self-administered massage, and sensory brush massage each resulted in comparable static postural-control improvements. The results also provide empirical evidence suggesting that the mechanism for the postural-control improvements is the stimulation of the plantar cutaneous receptors.


2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick O. McKeon ◽  
Alex J. Stein ◽  
Christopher D. Ingersoll ◽  
Jay Hertel

Context:Postural control as assessed via time-to-boundary (TTB) measures has been shown to be impaired in those with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Foot orthotics have been shown to improve postural control, although it is not clear if this is via mechanical or sensorimotor mechanisms.Objective:To assess the effect of textured shoe inserts that provide no mechanical support on postural control as assessed by TTB measures in subjects with CAI.Design:A crossover design to examine the effects of a textured insole on postural control in individuals with unilateral CAI. The independent variables were vision (eyes open, eyes closed) and texture (textured insole, sham insole, control).Setting:Laboratory.Participants:20 physically active individuals, 12 men, 8 women, age 18–45 y (21.5 ± 5.51) with self-reported CAI.Intervention:Each subject balanced in shod single-limb stance with eyes open and eyes closed under 3 conditions (control, sham, and textured insole). The order of testing under the 3 shoe conditions and 2 vision conditions was counterbalanced.Main Outcome Measures:The mean of TTB minima and the standard deviation of TTB minima in the mediolateral (ML) and anteroposterior directions.Results:There were significant reductions in TTB ML magnitude and variability found in the textured condition compared with the control and sham conditions. In the textured condition, subjects failed significantly more trials than any other condition.Conclusions:Stimulating the plantar surface of the foot, via a textured insole, has an effect in the broad spectrum of postural-control maintenance in individuals with CAI.


Author(s):  
Luis López-González ◽  
Deborah Falla ◽  
Irene Lázaro-Navas ◽  
Cristina Lorenzo-Sánchez-Aguilera ◽  
Isabel Rodríguez-Costa ◽  
...  

This study aimed to compare the effects of dry needling (DN) versus placebo DN applied to the peroneus longus (PL) and tibialis anterior (TA) on neuromuscular control and static postural control in basketball players with chronic ankle instability (CAI). A single-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted. Thirty-two male and female basketball players with CAI were randomly assigned to receive either DN (n = 16) or placebo DN (n = 16). Pre-activation amplitudes of PL and TA were assessed with surface electromyography (EMG) during a dynamic landing test. Center of pressure (CoP) displacement and sway variability in anterior-posterior (AP) and medio-lateral (ML) directions were measured with a force platform during a single leg balance test (SLBT). Measures were obtained prior to a single DN intervention, immediately after, at 48 h, and 1 month after. The DN group displayed a significant increase in PL and TA pre-activation values, which were maintained 1 month later. Significant reductions in the ML and AP displacements and sway variability of CoP were found for the DN group. These results showed improvements in feedback/feed-forward strategies following DN, including enhanced neuromuscular control and static postural control, with the potential to become a convenient and accessible preventive treatment in CAI subjects.


2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 117-120
Author(s):  
Christina Jones ◽  
Kyle B. Kosik ◽  
Phillip Gribble ◽  
Matthew C. Hoch

Clinical Question: Do individuals with chronic ankle instability have diminished plantar cutaneous sensation compared to ankle sprain copers or individuals with no history of ankle sprain? Clinical Bottom Line: Patients with chronic ankle instability have diminished plantar cutaneous sensation compared to healthy controls with no history of ankle sprain and ankle sprain copers.


2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 306-310
Author(s):  
Katherine Lee ◽  
James Onate ◽  
Samar McCann ◽  
Tamerah Hunt ◽  
Wilbert Turner ◽  
...  

Clinical Scenario:In wrestling, athletes often support a large amount of weight on their heads or are forced into extreme ranges of motion. These suboptimal movement conditions lead to a high prevalence of neck injuries in wrestlers. A large portion of the work done by the cervical musculature in wrestling is theorized to be eccentric or isometric types of contractions. Strengthening of these cervical muscles is clinically considered to play a vital role in being competitive on the wrestling mat. The cervical stability provided by strengthening these muscles may also play a part in injury prevention among wrestlers.Focused Clinical Question:Does increased cervical strength lead to a decreased risk of injury in wrestling?Summary of Search, “Best Evidence” Appraised, and Key Findings:The literature was searched for studies of level 4 evidence or higher using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine level of evidence system that investigated the relationship between cervical strength and injury risk in wrestling. No studies were found comparing cervical strength to injury risk in wrestling, but 2 related studies were found and have been included in this critically appraised topic.Clinical Bottom Line:There is poor evidence to support a relationship between cervical strength and injury risk in wrestling.Strength of Recommendation:There is grade C evidence to indicate that increased cervical strength decreases the risk of injury in wrestling.


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