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Postural control in single-limb stance
1Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Linköping University, Sweden.
Summary
Soccer players with ankle functional instability (FI) exhibit impaired postural control during single-limb stance. Their bodies rely more on hip and upper body movements for balance, indicating a shift in postural control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Movement Science
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Postural control during single-limb stance is crucial for athletic performance.
- Ankle functional instability (FI) is common in athletes and may affect balance.
- Previous research suggests impaired postural control in soccer players with FI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific role of the ankle in maintaining postural control.
- To compare postural control strategies in individuals with and without ankle FI.
- To explore the relationship between ankle position, peroneal muscle activity, and center of pressure.
Main Methods:
- Employed a dynamic approach using optoelectronic recordings of body segments.
- Utilized force-plate recordings to measure ground reaction forces.
- Recorded surface electromyography of the peroneus longus muscle in 30 physically active men (15 with ankle FI).
Main Results:
- Identified distinct patterns of equilibrium maintenance during single-limb stance.
- Confirmed the ankle's central role in executing postural corrections.
- Found a strong correlation between center of pressure, ankle position, and peroneal muscle activity.
- Observed that individuals with FI demonstrated impaired postural control and increased reliance on upper body corrections.
Conclusions:
- The ankle plays a pivotal role in postural control, with its position directly influencing balance.
- When ankle adjustments are insufficient, postural control shifts to a multisegmental chain model, involving the hip and upper body.
- Ankle functional instability leads to compensatory strategies, highlighting the need for targeted rehabilitation.