Ann Rehabil Med.  2013 Aug;37(4):523-533. 10.5535/arm.2013.37.4.523.

Changes in Balancing Ability of Athletes With Chronic Ankle Instability After Foot Orthotics Application and Rehabilitation Exercises

• Lee HJ
• Lim KB
• Jung TH
• Kim DY
• Park KR

• KMID: 2266608
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5535/arm.2013.37.4.523

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To compare the effect of foot orthotics and rehabilitation exercises by assessing balancing ability and joint proprioception in athletes who have chronic ankle instability.
METHODS
Forty-one athletes who visited hospitals due to chronic ankle instability were randomly assigned to two groups. One group had ankle rehabilitation exercises while the other group had the same rehabilitation exercises as well as foot orthotics. Joint position sense of the ankle joint was examined by using an isokinetic exercise machine. Balancing abilities categorized into static, dynamic and functional balance abilities were evaluated by using computerized posturography. We tested the subjects before and after the four-week rehabilitation program.
RESULTS
After the four-week treatment, for joint reposition sense evaluation, external 75% angle evaluation was done, revealing that the group with the application of foot orthotics improved by -1.07+/-1.64 on average, showing no significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05). Static, dynamic and functional balancing abilities using balance masters were evaluated, revealing that the two groups improved in some items, but showing no significant difference between them (p>0.05).
CONCLUSION
This study found that athletes with chronic ankle instability who had foot orthotics applied for four weeks improved their proprioceptive and balancing abilities, but did not show additional treatment effects compared with rehabilitation exercise treatment.

Keyword

Postural balance; Proprioception; Orthotic devices; Rehabilitation

MeSH Terms

Animals
Ankle
Ankle Joint
Athletes
Exercise
Foot
Humans
Joints
Orthotic Devices
Postural Balance
Proprioception

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Measuring ankle repositioning error using an isokinetic machine.

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  Fig. 2 Measuring postural sway of mean center of gravity while standing on a foam box (modified clinical test of sensory interaction on balance).

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  Fig. 3 Measuring postural sway of mean center of gravity during unilateral stance.

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  Fig. 4 Measuring on-axis velocity and directional control during rhythmic weight shifts. A subject moves his body voluntarily to both sides as soon as possible.

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  Fig. 5 Measuring limits of stability by measuring the amount of maximal excursion. A subject moves his body voluntarily to a designated direction as far as possible.

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  Fig. 6 Measuring turn-sway and turn-time during step/quick turning.

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  Fig. 7 Measuring movement time, lift-up index, and impact index during step up/over.

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  Fig. 8 Measuring percent-distance, impact index, contact time, and force impulse during forward lunge.

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