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Evaluating Postural Control and Lower-extremity Muscle Activation in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability
Published on: September 18, 2020
Frontal plane hip and ankle sensorimotor function, not age, predicts unipedal stance time
Lara Allet1, Hogene Kim, James Ashton-Miller
1Department of Physiotherapy, University of Applied Sciences of Western Switzerland, Geneva, Switzerland. lara.allet@hesge.ch
Muscle & Nerve
|March 21, 2012
Summary
Hip strength significantly predicts unipedal stance time (UST) in individuals with diabetic neuropathy, potentially compensating for ankle impairments. Strengthening the hip may improve balance, even with peripheral neuropathy.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neurology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Aging and diabetic neuropathy affect sensorimotor function, impacting balance.
- Unipedal stance time (UST) is a key indicator of balance and sensorimotor control.
- Diabetic neuropathy specifically impairs lower limb sensorimotor function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between unipedal stance time (UST) and frontal plane hip and ankle sensorimotor function.
- To identify predictors of UST in individuals with diabetic neuropathy.
- To explore potential compensatory mechanisms for impaired balance.
Main Methods:
- Assessed UST, frontal plane ankle proprioceptive thresholds, and ankle/hip motor function.
- Recruited 41 participants with varying degrees of diabetic neuropathy.
- Utilized quantitative sensorimotor assessments.
Main Results:
- Frontal plane hip and ankle sensorimotor function were significantly related to UST.
- Multivariate analysis revealed composite hip strength (46%), ankle proprioception (24%), and age (3%) as significant predictors of UST.
- Hip strength emerged as the strongest predictor of UST (R(2) = 0.73).
Conclusions:
- Frontal plane hip strength is the primary predictor of unipedal stance time.
- Hip strength may compensate for diminished ankle proprioception in individuals with diabetic neuropathy.
- Hip strengthening interventions are clinically relevant for improving balance in patients with peripheral neuropathy.
