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Evaluating Postural Control and Lower-extremity Muscle Activation in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability
Published on: September 18, 2020
Plantar pressure during running in subjects with chronic ankle instability
Katherine E Morrison1, David J Hudson, Irene S Davis
1West Chester University, Sports Medicine, 313 Sturzebecker Building, West Chester University, West Chester, PA 19382, USA. kmorrison@wcupa.edu
Foot & Ankle International
|December 30, 2010
Summary
Individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) exhibit altered foot loading patterns during running. This study found CAI subjects display more lateral foot positioning and a lateral center-of-pressure trajectory compared to healthy controls.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics of the foot and ankle.
- Gait analysis and plantar pressure measurement.
Background:
- Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is linked to dynamic foot and ankle mechanics.
- Previous studies detected plantar pressure variations during walking in CAI individuals, but dynamic running conditions require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate plantar pressure distributions during a running gait.
- Compare individuals with CAI, those with a history of lateral ankle sprain (AS) but no CAI, and healthy controls (CON).
Main Methods:
- Plantar pressure analysis using a Tekscan mat during running at a controlled speed in 45 participants (15 per group).
- Variables measured: rearfoot medial/lateral pressure ratio at foot strike and center-of-pressure (COP) trajectory during loading.
- Statistical analysis: One-way ANOVA with Tukey's post-hoc test (p < 0.05).
Main Results:
- CAI group showed a significantly more lateral rearfoot pressure ratio at foot strike compared to CON and AS groups.
- CAI subjects exhibited a lateral COP trajectory during loading, while AS and CON groups had medial trajectories (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- CAI subjects demonstrate more lateral foot positioning and loading patterns during barefoot running compared to CON and AS groups.
- Clinical interventions for CAI should aim to reduce rearfoot inversion at foot strike and during loading to promote a medial COP trajectory.
