Ankle Strap Research Articles

Kinetic Variables of Lower-Extremity Joint during Forward Jump Landing with Versus without Elastic Ankle Strap

PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the effect of an ankle strap on kinetic variables of the lower limb during forward jump landing.METHODS Twelve healthy adult men (mean age, 23.58±2.22 years; mean height, 177.83±5.37 cm; mean weight, 75.00±7.72 kg) participated. The participants stood barefoot on both legs at a horizontal distance of 40% of their body height from the center of the force plate, then jumped forward and landed on the force plate with their dominant or non-dominant leg over a 30-cm hurdle while wearing or not wearing an ankle strap. Joint angle, peak vertical force, loading rate, and leg stiffness were calculated. Paired t-test and repeated-measures two-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni’s post hoc tests were used to compare the characteristics of both lower limbs and the effect of wearing an ankle strap. The significance level was α < .05RESULTS Our results showed significant differences in kinematic variables between the dominant and non-dominant legs without the ankle strap. With the ankle strap, the inversion angles at the ankle joints of both lower extremities were significantly decreased, and an interaction effect between both legs and the ankle strap occurred in the internal rotation angle of the ankle joint. Kinetic variables did not differ significantly.CONCLUSIONS The ankle strap did not completely compensate for ankle instability in the non-dominant leg, but it significantly reduced the angle of internal rotation at the ankle joint. Thus, we recommend that correct wearing of the ankle strap in sports since it reduces the possibility of lateral ankle sprains to some extent.

Clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of Sandhaniya Cast in Ankle Sprain

Ankle is the most common site for acute musculoskeletal injuries and sprains. Acute ankle trauma is responsible for 10-30% of sports related injuries in young athletes. Ankle sprain is characterized by pain, swelling with or without deformity. According to the Modern science the treatment modalities adopted for the ankle sprain are ankle brace, below knee cast and ankle strap. Inadequate treatment of ankle sprain can lead to chronic problems such as decreased range of motion, pain and joint instability. Acharya Sushruta advocates Alepa with Asthisandhaniya Dravyas for the management of Bhagna. These dravyas when used in the form of Lepa have the properties of Sandhaniya, Shophahara and Vedanasthapaka action. It is a need of hour to bring up new innovative, readily available, patient friendly and time saving techniques which possess the same effect. Hence this study is taken up to bring the Manjistadi Lepa in the modified form as Sandhaniya cast. Such kind of medicated casts weren’t in use till date which makes it unique. This would not only help in immobilization like any other ankle brace or ankle binder, but also reduces localized edema and pain due to its Vedanasthapaka and Shophahara properties and also accelerates the healing.

Self-monitoring of Physical Activity After Hospital Discharge in Patients Who Have Undergone Gastrointestinal or Lung Cancer Surgery: Mixed Methods Feasibility Study.

BackgroundSelf-monitoring of physical activity (PA) using an accelerometer is a promising intervention to stimulate PA after hospital discharge.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of PA self-monitoring after discharge in patients who have undergone gastrointestinal or lung cancer surgery.MethodsA mixed methods study was conducted in which 41 patients with cancer scheduled for lobectomy, esophageal resection, or hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy were included. Preoperatively, patients received an ankle-worn accelerometer and the corresponding mobile health app to familiarize themselves with its use. The use was continued for up to 6 weeks after surgery. Feasibility criteria related to the study procedures, the System Usability Scale, and user experiences were established. In addition, 6 patients were selected to participate in semistructured interviews.ResultsThe percentage of patients willing to participate in the study (68/90, 76%) and the final participation rate (57/90, 63%) were considered good. The retention rate was acceptable (41/57, 72%), whereas the rate of missing accelerometer data was relatively high (31%). The mean System Usability Scale score was good (77.3). Interviewed patients mentioned that the accelerometer and app were easy to use, motivated them to be more physically active, and provided postdischarge support. The technical shortcomings and comfort of the ankle straps should be improved.ConclusionsSelf-monitoring of PA after discharge appears to be feasible based on good system usability and predominantly positive user experiences in patients with cancer after lobectomy, esophageal resection, or hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Solving technical problems and improving the comfort of the ankle strap may reduce the number of dropouts and missing data in clinical use and follow-up studies.

Device customization with novel adhesive electrode

The present research deal with the physical examination and analysis of an instrument that is ankle foot orthotic device. The physics of this device consist of calf piece; calf strap; a muscle stimulator; stimulator suspension including a press button with nylon strap; two adhesive electrodes; electrical wires; hinge joint; JBR outsole; foot piece; ankle strap; forefoot strap; rings; adjustable strap; press button; cold and hot pack pouch; a means to provide upward projection; & shank. The customized AFO device is characteristic in the sense that the adhesive strap being mounted on the rings so as to keep the plantar section of the foot piece in straight position and wherein the adhesive strap being made up by a combination of polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene and polyethylene wherein polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene and polyethylene is 1:1:2 by weight; wherein the cold and hot pack pouch being made up of 40.5 wt% water; 40.5 wt% ammonium nitrate, 4 wt% hydropropylmethyl cellulose and 15 wt% propylene glycol; and wherein the said electrode being made up of a hydrogel comprises of acrylic acid and N-vinylpyrrolidone. The overall result feedback is a feeling of increased muscle control, flexibility, and range of motion on using the device.

DESIGN OF AN ULTRA-WIDEBAND UHF RFID READER ANTENNA FOR WEARABLE ANKLE TRACKING APPLICATIONS

In this paper, a broadband reader antenna is designed and manufactured for wearable ankle strap applications. The frequency range covered for S 11 < −10 dB is from 850 MHz to 1650 MHz with dipole like radiation pattern in free space. The proposed broadband antenna is manufactured with a semi-flex (Taconic RF-35) and flexible (Kapton) substrates. A good agreement between simulations and measurements has been achieved. Prototypes performances have been tested by measuring the reading distance. The maximum reading distance obtained is about 1.46 m at 865 MHz with an output power of the transmitter (P T X) of 25 dBm. Results of functional RFID test show that the proposed antenna can be used as an RFID reader antenna when it is placed on the ankle of the human body.

Retention of improvement in gait stability over 14 weeks due to trip-perturbation training is dependent on perturbation dose

Perturbation training is an emerging approach to reduce fall risk in the elderly. This study examined potential differences in retention of improvements in reactive gait stability over 14 weeks resulting from unexpected trip-like gait perturbations. Twenty-four healthy middle-aged adults (41–62 years) were assigned randomly to either a single perturbation group (SINGLE, n = 9) or a group subjected to eight trip-like gait perturbations (MULTIPLE, n = 15). While participants walked on a treadmill a custom-built brake-and-release system was used to unexpectedly apply resistance during swing phase to the lower right limb via an ankle strap. The anteroposterior margin of stability (MoS) was calculated as the difference between the anterior boundary of the base of support and the extrapolated centre of mass at foot touchdown for the perturbed step and the first recovery step during the first and second (MULTIPLE group only) perturbation trials for the initial walking session and retention-test walking 14 weeks later. Group MULTIPLE retained the improvements in reactive gait stability to the perturbations (increased MoS at touchdown for perturbed and first recovery steps; p < 0.01). However, in group SINGLE no differences in MoS were detected after 14 weeks compared to the initial walking session. These findings provide evidence for the requirement of a threshold trip-perturbation dose if adaptive changes in the human neuromotor system over several months, aimed at the improvement in fall-resisting skills, are to occur.

Evaluation of Articular Cartilage Injury Using Computed Tomography With Axial Traction in the Ankle Joint.

Although chondral or osteochondral injuries are usually assessed by magnetic resonance imaging, its accuracy can be low, presumably related to the relatively thin cartilage layer and the close apposition of the cartilage of the talus and tibial plafond. We hypothesized that axial traction could provide a contrast between the articular cartilage and joint cavity, and it enabled the simultaneous evaluation of cartilage and subchondral bone. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of using computed tomography (CT) imaging with axial traction for the diagnosis of articular cartilage injuries. Chondral lesions in 18 ankles were evaluated by CT with axial traction using a tensioning device and ankle strap for enlargement of the joint space of the ankle. CT was done in 3-mm slices and programmed for gray scale, and then CT images were allocated colors to make it easier to evaluate the cartilage layer. The International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grades on CT were compared with those on arthroscopic findings. The respective sensitivity and specificity of CT imaging with traction using ICRS grading were 74.4%, and 96.3%. The level of agreement of the ICRS grading between CT images and arthroscopic findings was moderate (kappa coefficient, 0.547). Adding axial traction to CT increased the delineation of the cartilage surface, including chondral thinning, chondral defect, and cartilage separation. CT with axial traction produced acceptable levels of sensitivity and specificity for the evaluation of articular cartilage injuries, in addition to the assessment of subchondral bone. Level III, comparative case series.

Effect of Footwear on Joint Pain and Function in Older Adults With Lower Extremity Osteoarthritis.

Lower extremity osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition among older adults; given the risks of surgical and pharmaceutical interventions, conservative, lower-cost management options such as footwear warrant further investigation. This systematic review investigated the effects of footwear, including shoe inserts, in reducing lower extremity joint pain and improving gait, mobility, and quality of life in older adults with OA. The CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, PubMed, RECAL, and Web of Knowledge databases were searched for publications from January 1990 to September 2014, using the terms "footwear," "shoes," "gait," "pain," and "older adult." Participants who were 50 years or older and those who had OA in at least one lower extremity joint narrowed the results. Outcomes of interest included measures of pain, comfort, function, gait, or quality of life. Exclusion criteria applied to participants with rheumatoid arthritis, amputation, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, use of modified footwear or custom orthotics, purely biomechanical studies, and outcomes of balance or falls only. Single-case studies, qualitative narrative descriptions, and expert opinions were also excluded. The initial search resulted in a total of 417 citations. Eleven articles met inclusion criteria. Two randomized controlled trials and 3 quasiexperimental studies reported lateral wedge insoles may have at least some pain-relieving effects and improved functional mobility in older adults at 4 weeks to 2 years' follow-up, particularly when used with subtalar and ankle strapping. Three randomized controlled trials with large sample sizes reported that lateral wedges provided no knee pain relief compared with flat insoles. Hardness of shoe soles did not significantly affect joint comfort in the foot in a quasiexperimental study. A quasiexperimental designed study investigating shock-absorbing insoles showed reduction in knee joint pain with 1 month of wear. Finally, a cross-sectional prognostic study indicated poor footwear at early ages exhibits an association with hindfoot pain later in life. Because of the limited number of randomized control trials, it is not possible to make a definitive conclusion about the long-term effects of footwear on lower extremity joint pain caused by OA. There is mounting evidence that shock-absorbing insoles, subtalar strapping, and avoidance of high heels and sandals early in life may prevent lower extremity joint pain in older adults, but no conclusive evidence exists to show that lateral wedge insoles will provide long-term relief from knee joint pain and improved mobility in older adults with OA. More high-quality randomized control trials are needed to study the effectiveness of footwear and shoe inserts on joint pain and function in older adults with OA.

Wearable step counting using a force myography-based ankle strap.

IntroductionStep counting can be used to estimate the activity level of people in daily life; however, commercially available accelerometer-based step counters have shown inaccuracies in detection of low-speed walking steps (<2.2 km/h), and thus are not suitable for older adults who usually walk at low speeds. This proof-of-concept study explores the feasibility of using force myography recorded at the ankle to detect low-speed steps.MethodsEight young healthy participants walked on a treadmill at three speeds (1, 1.5, and 2.0 km/h) while their force myography signals were recorded at the ankle using a customized strap embedded with an array of eight force-sensing resistors. A K-nearest neighbour model was trained and tested with the recorded data. Additional three mainstream machine learning algorithms were also employed to evaluate the performance of force myography band as a pedometer.ResultsResults showed a low error rate of the step detection (<1.5%) at all three walking speeds.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates not only the feasibility of the proposed approach but also the potential of the investigated technology to reliably monitor low-speed step counting.

Locomotor stability and adaptation during perturbed walking across the adult female lifespan

The aim of this work was to examine locomotor stability and adaptation across the adult female lifespan during perturbed walking on the treadmill. 11 young, 11 middle and 14 older-aged female adults (mean and SD: 25.5(2.1), 50.6(6.4) and 69.0(4.7) years old respectively) walked on a treadmill. We applied a sustained perturbation to the swing phase of the right leg for 18 consecutive gait cycles, followed by a step with the resistance unexpectedly removed, via an ankle strap connected to a break-and-release system. The margin of stability (MoS) at foot touchdown was calculated as the difference between the anterior boundary of the base of support (BoS) and extrapolated center of mass. Older participants showed lower MoS adaptation magnitude in the early adaptation phase (steps 1–3) compared to the young and middle-aged groups. However, in the late adaptation phase (steps 16–18) there were no significant differences in adaptation magnitude between the three age groups. After removing the resistance, all three age groups showed similar aftereffects (i.e. increased BoS). The current results suggest that in old age, the ability to recalibrate locomotion to control stability is preserved, but the rate of adaptive improvement in locomotor stability is diminished.

The efficacy of arch pad with ankle strapping on postural sway in patients with metatarsalgia of rheumatoid arthritis

The efficacy of arch pad with ankle strapping on postural sway in patients with metatarsalgia of rheumatoid arthritis

Contention adhésive de cheville et contrôle postural en condition quasi statique : impact de la pose d’une sous-bande en mousse

Aim This study's purpose is to estimate the effect of an elastic rubber band ankle strapping on the postural control with or without underwrap. Method Fifteen healthy volunteers have been tested on a two feet standing position while performing a task under three conditions: without being strapped, with the strapping over the skin and with the strapping over and underwrap. The variable on trial, recorded using a force platform, was the pression center movement (CP) defined by its frontal (AP) and medial (ML) axes. We extracted CP trajectories decomposed into two elementary motions: the horizontal displacements of the centre of gravity (CG) and the vertical projection of the difference between centre of pressure and the centre of gravity (CP–CG). Results The only statistically significative decrease of variance from the no strapping condition was with over skin strapping condition for the CP and CG on ML axe. No CP–CG variance was significally modified. Conclusion The over skin strapping provide a lateral stabilization. The hypothesis of additional sensory information and mechanical restriction of the ankle could provide explanation.

Clinical Tip: Development of an Ankle Distraction Device Compatible With MRI and Radiography

Measurements of cartilage thickness in human ankles are important in evaluating the development of osteoarthritis, particularly following articular fractures. Unlike the knee, cartilage in the ankle is relatively thin (on the order of 1.5 mm), so it is difficult to image clearly using either MRI or CT techniques. Part of the problem is the lack of separation between the surfaces of the tibial and talar cartilage, making it essentially impossible to determine their respective thicknesses. Ankle distraction has been achieved in the operating room by applying tension to the foot using a windlass attached to the operating table, while the patient’s upper body is restrained by straps. Trauma units use devices like the Hare Traction splint, which applies force to the foot while bracing against the posterior ischium, to temporarily distract fractures of the femur. Neither of these systems is suitable for use with MRI, and significant modifications would be required to use them during CT scans. We have built a novel device that distracts the ankle (as well as the knee) using a specially modified brace above the knee to grip the distal surfaces of the thigh musculature where it narrows above the knee as anchor points (Figure 1) and a screw to apply tension to the foot strap. The distance between the tensioning mechanism and the brace is adjustable for patient size. The parts of the distractor adjacent to the ankle are radiolucent and the entire device is compatible with the MR and CT environments (Figure 2). In use, the device has been found to be minimally uncomfortable for the patient. Fig 1 Arrows indicate anchor points for the knee brace on the musculature of the distal thigh. Fig 2 The distractor in place on a subject leg To facilitate application of consistent tension to the ankle, a simple proving ring-based gauge made entirely of plastic was added to the system (Figure 3). It is placed in the load train between the tensioning screw and the ankle strap. As the force increases, the circular ring distorts and the rack attached to one side of the hoop moves relative to the pinion on the other. This action turns the attached calibrated scale, and the force is read against a mark on the rim of the hoop. Figure 3 The tension gauge is connected between the foot strap (left) and the tensioning screw (right). The gauge ensures that consistent loads are applied to the ankle and allows the technician to monitor any slippage that would cause the force to diminish. As a matter of patient safety, forces are not allowed to exceed 30 pounds (130N). Using the device, we have greatly improved the quality of our MRI scans. Distraction of the ankle joint introduces enough separation between the cartilage surfaces for accurate segmentation of the digitized image for finite element modeling, as well as for direct visual analysis (Figure 4). CT scans also benefit from use of the device (Figure 5). Figure 4 Coronal plane MRI scans showing distraction of the ankle mortise. Anatomical (left), and distracted (right). Figure 5 Sagittal plane CT scans showing distraction between the tibia and talus. Anatomical (left), and distracted (right).

A 10-WEEK EXERCISE INTERVENTION IMPROVES BALANCE IN 65???75 YEAR OLD WOMEN WITH OSTEOPOROSIS

Recurrent falling is an independent risk factor for osteoporotic fracture. Many risk factors for falling have been identified these include muscle weakness, and impaired balance. Physical activity has been shown to improve muscle strength and coordination and thus may reduce the risk of falling and subsequent fracture. Yet there have been very few randomized controlled trials employing an exercise intervention in women with proven osteoporosis. We recrulted sixty (65–75 y) women with osteoporosls (BMD T-score at the total hip or lumbar spine [L2-L4] less than −2.5 by DXA [Lunar]) from the osteoporosis clinic at British Columbia's Women's Hospital. These women were randomized to either control group or exercise group (Osteofit). Osteofit is a twice weekly, one hour long community based exercise programme for women and men with osteoporosis. It aims to reduce the participants' risk of falling and improve their functional ability by specifically using exercises that target posture, balance, galt, coordination, and hip and trunk stabilization. Baseline measures included the modified CaMos questionnaire, the mini-mental state questionnaire, the Oswestry back pain questionnaire, the quality of life questionnaire of the European Foundation for osteoporosis (QUALEFFO), quadriceps strength (seated maximal knee extension against an ankle strap incoporating strain gauge), static balance (computerized posturography [Equitest]), dynamic balance/gait (2 laps of a 20 metre figure of 8 course), height (sitting and standing) and weight. The latter seven measures were repeated at 10 weeks. There were no significant differences between the exercise and control groups at baseline for any measures. At 10 weeks, the exercise group improved significantly on Equitest while the control group did not as shown in the significant interaction (F(1,47) = 4.24, p = 0.045). There was a significant effect of time on both quadriceps strength (corrected for height)(F(1,46) = 11.99, p = 0.001) and figure of 8 (F(1,46) = 8.57, p = 0.005) in both groups. There was no significant difference in the change over time between the two groups on either quadriceps strength (Δexercise = 1.2 kg and Δcontrol = −2.6 kg) or figure of 8 (Δexercise and control = −1.2 sec). No significant difference was found on any of the five domains of QUALEFFO. These novel data suggest that a 10-week community based exercise programme significantly improves balance in 65–75 year old women with osteoporosis and thus, may reduce risk for falling.

Influence of Ankle Strapping, Taping, and Nine Braces: A Stress Roentgenologic Comparison

The stabilizing effect of external support, in the form of strapping, taping, and nine different ankle braces, was tested in 220 functionally unstable ankles. A standard surface EMG, controlled-stress Roentgen test protocol was used, measuring talar tilt (TT) without support and with strapping, tape bandage, or brace. Different levels of TT restraint of external support could be identified. Taping and two braces had a highly significant (p &lt; .001) influence on TT. The mean TT without support was decreased by using tape from 13.4° to 4.9°, by using one brace to 4.8°, and by using another brace to 5.9°. The two braces were effectively fitted for protection during functional treatment. A classification into three grades of effectiveness was proposed. It was concluded that the stabilizing influence of bandages and braces should be measured before these external supports are used to treat acute ankle sprain and protect against sprain injuries in daily living and sports.

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The influence of ankle strapping on wobbleboard performance, before and after exercise

Twenty four uninjured female volunteers (mean age = 19.6 years) were utilised to study the effect of modified Gibney ankle strapping on proprioception before, during and after exercise, by measuring performance on an instrumented wobbleboard. Following a familiarisation session, testing was conducted on two occasions using a crossover research design, utilising strapped and unstrapped conditions. The time in contact, the number of contacts and the average time in contact that the wobbleboard made with a metal baseplate under the wobbleboard were recorded during a ten second test duration. Tests were conducted at the times of 0, 5, 10 and 15 minutes of a standardised exercise regime performed by the subjects. Results revealed that strapping had no significant effect on wobbleboard performance. Since the wobbleboard is widely accepted as a method of training as well as a clinical assessment of ankle proprioception, it could be inferred that strapping had no effect on proprioception before, during or after exercise.

The Effect of Ankle Strapping on Knee and Ankle Angle in Treadmill Walking and Running

The Effect of Ankle Strapping on Knee and Ankle Angle in Treadmill Walking and Running

Comparative Radiological Study of the Influence of Ankle Joint Strapping and Taping on Ankle Stability

A comparative radiological study was carried out to test the stabilizing value of ankle strapping and taping on unstable tibiotalar joints. Unstable ankle joints of 51 sportsmen were examined without bandages, with strapping, and with taping before and after an activity program. The use of taping proved to give the greatest decrease of the talar tilt angle. This improvement was still greater, even after activity, than the stabilization obtained by strapping, before any activity. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1985;7(3):110-114.

Easy Method for Ankle Strapping

Easy Method for Ankle Strapping