scholarly journals Customized Noise-Stimulation Intensity for Bipedal Stability and Unipedal Balance Deficits Associated With Functional Ankle Instability

2013 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 463-470 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott E. Ross ◽  
Shelley W. Linens ◽  
Cynthia J. Wright ◽  
Brent L. Arnold

Context: Stochastic resonance stimulation (SRS) administered at an optimal intensity could maximize the effects of treatment on balance. Objective: To determine if a customized optimal SRS intensity is better than a traditional SRS protocol (applying the same percentage sensory threshold intensity for all participants) for improving double- and single-legged balance in participants with or without functional ankle instability (FAI). Design: Case-control study with an embedded crossover design. Setting: Laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Twelve healthy participants (6 men, 6 women; age = 22 ± 2 years, height = 170 ± 7 cm, mass = 64 ± 10 kg) and 12 participants (6 men, 6 women; age = 23 ± 3 years, height = 174 ± 8 cm, mass = 69 ± 10 kg) with FAI. Intervention(s): The SRS optimal intensity level was determined by finding the intensity from 4 experimental intensities at the percentage sensory threshold (25% [SRS25], 50% [SRS50], 75% [SRS75], 90% [SRS90]) that produced the greatest improvement in resultant center-of-pressure velocity (R-COPV) over a control condition (SRS0) during double-legged balance. We examined double- and single-legged balance tests, comparing optimal SRS (SRSopt1) and SRS0 using a battery of center-of-pressure measures in the frontal and sagittal planes. Main Outcome Measure(s): Anterior-posterior (A-P) and medial-lateral (M-L) center-of-pressure velocity (COPV) and center-of-pressure excursion (COPE), R-COPV, and 95th percentile center-of-pressure area ellipse (COPA-95). Results: Data were organized into bins that represented optimal (SRSopt1), second (SRSopt2), third (SRSopt3), and fourth (SRSopt4) improvement over SRS0. The SRSopt1 enhanced R-COPV (P ≤ .05) over SRS0 and other SRS conditions (SRS0 = 0.94 ± 0.32 cm/s, SRSopt1 = 0.80 ± 0.19 cm/s, SRSopt2 = 0.88 ± 0.24 cm/s, SRSopt3 = 0.94 ± 0.25 cm/s, SRSopt4 = 1.00 ± 0.28 cm/s). However, SRS did not improve R-COPV over SRS0 when data were categorized by sensory threshold. Furthermore, SRSopt1 improved double-legged balance over SRS0 from 11% to 25% in all participants for the center-of-pressure frontal- and sagittal-plane assessments (P ≤ .05). The SRSopt1 also improved single-legged balance over SRS0 from 10% to 17% in participants with FAI for the center-of-pressure frontal- and sagittal-plane assessments (P ≤ .05). The SRSopt1 did not improve single-legged balance in participants with stable ankles. Conclusions: The SRSopt1 improved double-legged balance and transfers to enhancing single-legged balance deficits associated with FAI.

2020 ◽  
pp. 030936462097140
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Russell Esposito ◽  
Mitchell D Ruble ◽  
Andrea J Ikeda ◽  
Jason M Wilken

Background: Maintaining an optimal rolling of the foot over the ground is thought to increase the stability and efficiency of pathologic gait. Ankle-foot orthoses are often prescribed to improve gait mechanics in individuals with lower extremity injuries; however, their design may compromise how the foot rolls over the ground. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the sagittal plane ankle-foot orthosis alignment on roll-over shape and center of pressure velocity in individuals with lower limb reconstructions. Study design: Randomized cross-over study with a control group comparison. Methods: In total, 12 individuals with lower limb reconstruction who used a custom carbon ankle-foot orthosis and 12 uninjured controls underwent gait analysis. Ankle-foot orthosis users were tested in their clinically-provided ankle-foot orthosis alignment, with an alignment that was 3° more plantarflexed, and with an alignment that was 3° more dorsiflexed. Components of roll-over shape and center of pressure velocity were calculated from heel strike on the ankle-foot orthosis limb to contralateral heel strike. Results: Roll-over shape radius was not affected by 3° changes to alignment and was not significantly different from controls. Aligning the ankle-foot orthosis in more dorsiflexion than clinically provided resulted in a smaller peak center of pressure velocity that occurred later in stance. Conclusion: Individuals using custom carbon ankle-foot orthoses can accommodate 3° alterations in the dorsiflexion or plantarflexion alignment.


2004 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 201-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael E. Powers ◽  
Bernadette D. Buckley ◽  
Thomas W. Kaminski ◽  
Tricia J. Hubbard ◽  
Cindy Ortiz

Context:The combined effects of strength and proprioception training, especially in individuals with ankle instability, have not been studied extensively.Objective:To examine the influence of 6 weeks of strength and proprioception training on measures of muscle fatigue and static balance in those with unilateral functional ankle instability (FAI).Design:Pretest–posttest, randomized groups.Setting:A climate-controlled sports-medicine research laboratory.Subjects:38 subjects with self-reported unilateral FAI.Measurements:Muscle fatigue was determined using the median power frequency (fmed) from an electromyographic signal, and static balance was assessed using center-of-pressure values obtained from a triaxial force plate.Results:There were no significant effects of the strength or proprioception training on our measures of muscle fatigue and static balance.Conclusions:Strength training, proprioception training, and the combination of the 2 failed to improve postural-stability characteristics in a group of subjects with FAI.


2012 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 130-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Hamlyn ◽  
Carrie L. Docherty ◽  
Joanne Klossner

Context: Most protocols established to treat patients with functional ankle instability (FAI) have focused on taping the ankle. Orthotic intervention is a different treatment protocol that may have a positive effect on these patients, especially after an accommodation period. Objective: To determine whether the use of a prefabricated orthotic affects postural stability in patients with FAI and a control group. Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial. Setting: Research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Forty patients with unilateral FAI. Intervention(s): Postural stability was measured on both limbs using a force plate on 3 occasions. Participants were instructed to balance on 1 limb with their eyes closed for 20 seconds. In session 1, postural stability was measured with the patient wearing his or her own athletic shoes. The control group repeated this procedure in sessions 2 and 3. When those in the orthotic group returned for session 2, they received prefabricated, full-length Quick Comfort Insoles for both feet, immediately placed the orthotics in their shoes, and were tested for postural stability. Patients in the orthotic group were instructed to wear the inserts daily and return 2 weeks later for session 3 and repeat postural stability testing. Main Outcome Measure(s): Center of pressure. Results: In the orthotic group, postural stability improved between sessions 1 and 2 and sessions 1 and 3. In session 3, postural stability was different for the orthotic and control groups. We also identified a difference between the limbs such that the FAI ankle displayed worse postural stability than did the healthy ankle. Conclusions: Prefabricated orthotics improved postural stability in participants with FAI. Similar to the findings of previous researchers, we found that postural stability was worse in FAI ankles than in healthy ankles.


2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia J. Wright ◽  
Brent L. Arnold ◽  
Scott E. Ross

Context It has been proposed that altered dynamic-control strategies during functional activity such as jump landings may partially explain recurrent instability in individuals with functional ankle instability (FAI). Objective To capture jump-landing time to stabilization (TTS) and ankle motion using a multisegment foot model among FAI, coper, and healthy control individuals. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Laboratory. Patients or Other Participants Participants were 23 individuals with a history of at least 1 ankle sprain and at least 2 episodes of giving way in the past year (FAI), 23 individuals with a history of a single ankle sprain and no subsequent episodes of instability (copers), and 23 individuals with no history of ankle sprain or instability in their lifetime (controls). Participants were matched for age, height, and weight (age = 23.3 ± 3.8 years, height = 1.71 ± 0.09 m, weight = 69.0 ± 13.7 kg). Intervention(s) Ten single-legged drop jumps were recorded using a 12-camera Vicon MX motion-capture system and a strain-gauge force plate. Main Outcome Measures Mediolateral (ML) and anteroposterior (AP) TTS in seconds, as well as forefoot and hindfoot sagittal- and frontal-plane angles at jump-landing initial contact and at the point of maximum vertical ground reaction force were calculated. Results For the forefoot and hindfoot in the sagittal plane, group differences were present at initial contact (forefoot: P = .043, hindfoot: P = .004). At the hindfoot, individuals with FAI displayed more dorsiflexion than the control and coper groups. Time to stabilization differed among groups (AP TTS: P < .001; ML TTS: P = .040). Anteroposterior TTS was longer in the coper group than in the FAI or control groups, and ML TTS was longer in the FAI group than in the control group. Conclusions During jump landings, copers showed differences in sagittal-plane control, including less plantar flexion at initial contact and increased AP sway during stabilization, which may contribute to increased dynamic stability.


Author(s):  
Tyler Dexter ◽  
Valerie Herzog ◽  
Ericka Zimmerman

Context: Wearing wristbands embedded with holograms at certain frequencies are believed to increase proprioception. There has been very little research to determine if holographic wristbands have any physiological effect on the body. Objective: To determine if the holograms embedded in the wristbands will improve proprioception during a single leg stance test on the dominant foot. Design and Setting: Controlled Athletic Training laboratory study. Participants: Twenty-four healthy college students of different activity levels (7 men, 17 women; age = 22.6 ± 1.2 years, height = 170.18 ± 12.10 cm, mass = 69.51 ± 15.63 kg) without any lower extremity injuries in the past three months participated. The subjects were also excluded if they have worn a holographic wristband in the past three months. Intervention(s): Each subject completed two trials under three protocols (holographic wristband, placebo wristband, no wristband) in a counter-balanced order for a total of six different tests with each test lasting 30 seconds. Subjects tested under each protocol using a single leg stance test on their dominant leg, hands on their hips, and looking forward at a fixed point on the wall. Main Outcome Measure(s): Balance analysis of the subjects was performed using an AMTI AccuSway Force Platform measuring Center of Pressure velocity and Center of Pressure Area 95. A statistical analysis of the data was done using repeated measures to test for differences between each condition. Results: The results showed no significant differences between protocols for Center of Pressure velocity (F = 1.130, P = .332). We also found no significant differences between protocols for Center of Pressure Area 95 (F = 1.271, P = .290). Conclusions: The results showed that the use of the holographic wristbands or a placebo wristband did not appear to have an impact on static balance. Overall, the results show that the use of the wristbands did not appear to have an impact on proprioception.


2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Prachita P. Walankar ◽  
Vrushali P. Panhale ◽  
Kanchi M. Vyas

Abstract Background Functional ankle instability is a common musculoskeletal condition affecting the community. It is characterized by repetitive bouts of giving away, recurrent sprains, and sensation of instability leading to functional deficits in an individual. The present study aimed to assess the influence of kinesiophobia on physical function and quality of life in participants with functional ankle instability. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 30 participants with functional ankle instability. Kinesiophobia was assessed using the 17-item Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, physical function using the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) and the FAAM-Sport version (FAAM-S), and quality of life using SF-36. Results The TSK score showed a moderate negative correlation with FAAM-S (r = −0.5, p = 0.005) and a weak negative correlation with SF-36 physical component summary (r = −0.42, p = 0.02). However, TSK showed no significant correlation with FAAM-ADL and SF-36 mental component summary. Conclusion Increased fear of movement, reduced physical function, and health-related quality of life were observed in functional ankle instability individuals. Hence, evaluation of these parameters is imperative in these individuals.


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