Ankle eversion to inversion strength ratio and static balance control in the dominant and non-dominant limbs of young adults

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to: (1) compare unilateral ankle eversion to inversion strength ratio (E/I R) and static balance control in the dominant and non-dominant limbs and (2) determine the relationship between ankle E/I R and static balance control in the dominant and non-dominant limbs. Twenty-eight young, healthy adults without any physical training experience participated in this study. Ankle E/I R was measured by an isokinetic dynamometer at speeds of 30 degrees s(-1) and 120 degrees s(-1). Static balance control was determined by the center of pressure excursion parameters on a force platform during the single-leg upright standing balance test. No significant differences in ankle E/I R and static balance control existed between the dominant and non-dominant limbs. Ankle E/I R was greater at a speed of 30 degrees s(-1) than that at a speed of 120 degrees s(-1) in the dominant and non-dominant limbs. In addition, no significant correlation was identified between the unilateral ankle E/I R and static balance control. The data indicated that both unilateral ankle E/I R and static balance control in the dominant and non-dominant limbs were symmetric in young, healthy adults. In addition, the absence of a correlation between ankle E/I R and static balance control is consistent with the independence of these parameters under the testing conditions used herein. It is suggested that any asymmetry in ankle E/I R at these angular velocities and single-leg standing balance in young, healthy adults is due to factors other than limb dominance.