Combining Mechanical Support With Sensory Augmentation in Orthotic Devices for Postural Stability in Lateral Ankle...

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics and Motor Control
• Orthotics and Prosthetics
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Lateral ankle instability (LAI) is often linked to sensorimotor deficits.
• Current orthotic devices provide mechanical support but lack sensory enrichment.
• The impact of combining vibration with orthotics for LAI has not been studied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of adding vibration to an orthotic device on postural stability in individuals with LAI.

Main Methods:

• A parallel randomized controlled trial was conducted with 32 adults diagnosed with LAI.
• Participants were assigned to receive an ankle-foot orthosis with or without a vibratory strap.
• Postural stability was measured using center of pressure (COP) velocity at baseline and at 2 and 4 weeks post-intervention.

Main Results:

• A significant group-by-time interaction was observed for anteroposterior COP velocity (p < 0.001).
• The group using the vibratory orthotic showed a significantly greater reduction in anteroposterior COP velocity at 4 weeks (p < 0.001).
• No significant differences were found for mediolateral or resultant COP velocity, though a trend towards reduction was noted in both groups.

Conclusions:

• Integrating sensory stimulation, specifically vibration, with orthotic devices significantly improves anteroposterior postural stability in individuals with LAI.
• This suggests a synergistic effect between mechanical support from orthotics and sensory augmentation through vibration.
• This approach offers a promising avenue for enhancing balance and potentially reducing re-injury risk in LAI patients.