Adaptations in static balance due to unilateral restriction of the ankle joint: an observational study

Abstract

Objective: Evaluating the static balance behavior in healthy women with unilateral ankle restriction. Methods: This observational study of static balance included 23 women and was conducted under three restriction conditions: no joint restriction of the right ankle (NJR), semi-rigid joint restriction using a Dilapé® anklet (SJR), and rigid joint restriction using adhesive tape (RJR). All participants underwent (1) passive range of motion (PRM) assessment of the ankle, (2) assessment of active range of motion (ARM) of the ankle, and (3) posturography instrumented by a force platform to collect the coordinates of the center of body pressure (CoP). Results: The joint restriction supports caused changes in ankle range of motion and generated effects on static balance, with significant changes in sway pattern (F80ap), anteroposterior signal regularity (SENtap), and mid-to-mid detachment amplitude. (Rangeml), in the average velocity (VMml) mediolateral direction, in addition to causing changes in the positioning of the CoP (CoPap_avg and CoPml_avg). Conclusion: Our results show that the use of unilateral restrictive supports modifies static posture due to mechanical restriction and proprioceptive stimulation. The anklet (SJR) was more effective than the tape (RJR) during the ARM, generating greater stability in the ankle joint and during the unipedal balance test, leading to a better correction to maintain posture.