How does stretching exercise of the ankle joint affect balance and gait function in healthy older adults aged 65 to...

This study aimed to examine the effects of ankle joint stretching exercises on gait function in older adults and to clarify their relationship with balance control. Specifically, the study compared the outcomes of simultaneous stretching of the plantar flexors and ankle inverters with those of stretching the plantar flexors alone.

In this single-blind randomized controlled trial, 40 healthy older adults aged 65 to 75 years (36 women and 4 men; overall mean age, 69.0 ± 2.9 years) were randomized (1:1) to either the experimental group (simultaneous stretching of the plantar flexors and invertors) or the control group (stretching of the plantar flexors only). Each group performed stretching exercises for 30 minutes/day, 5 days/week, for a total of 15 sessions over 3 weeks. The primary outcome was the Ankle dorsiflexion and eversion range of motion (ROM), Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score, Timed Up and Go test (TUG), gait parameter, center of pressure (COP) parameter.

Both groups showed significant improvements in ankle dorsiflexion ROM, BBS, step cadence, and double support time in gait after the intervention. However, only the experimental group showed significant improvements in ankle eversion ROM, mediolateral COP range, step velocity on both sides, and TUG performance. Between-group comparisons revealed that changes in eversion ROM, mediolateral COP range, and TUG performance were significantly greater in the experimental group than in the control group. No significant between-group differences were observed in dorsiflexion ROM, BBS scores, step length, step duration, mean COP velocity, or cadence.

Ankle stretching exercises improved balance and gait function in healthy older adults, with greater effects observed from combined stretching of the plantar flexors and invertors. These benefits are likely due to enhanced postural control and increased ankle flexibility.