The Effects of Proprioceptive Ankle Disk Training on Healthy Subjects

Abstract

According to research, proprioceptive training enables injured subjects to reduce proprioceptive deficits and increase postural control. However, the effects of proprioceptive training have not been researched in healthy subjects. This study investigated the effects of Biomechanical Ankle Platform System (BAPS) training on postural sway of healthy subjects (N = 28). Subjects were pretested and posttested using the Kistler force platform while performing a single limb stance. The subjects stood on their dominant leg with the opposite hip and knee held in a self-selected position. Subjects trained the dominant leg three times per week for 10 weeks on the BAPS. Experimental subjects showed significant improvements in both the medial-lateral and anterior-posterior parameters of postural sway when compared with a control group. In conclusion, 10 weeks of proprioceptive ankle disk training significantly decreased postural sway in both the medial-lateral and anterior-posterior directions.