To analyse the differences in the path of the centre of pressures during the performance of 3 static balance tests, which included two of the techniques used in the rehabilitation of ankle sprain rehabilitation.
Material and methodFourteen healthy subjects, without ligament loosening in the ankle were recruited for the study (8 male and 6 female) voluntary participated in this study, all of them physically active, with a mean age of 19.9±3.8 years. The path of the centre of pressures was measured during monopodal balance tests on a force platform (60 s last), in three different conditions: on stable surface (force platform), on a viscoelastic surface, and during the application of electrical stimulation on the tibialis anterior muscle.
ResultsThe anterior-posterior path of the centre of pressures was greater in the test with electrical stimulation than in the tests on the stable surface (P<.01), and on the viscoelastic surface (P<.05).The mean position of the centre of pressures was more lateral (53.00±7.60mm) and more posterior (128.40±10,70mm) in the test on the viscoelastic surface. The greatest excursion areas of the centre of pressures were found in the test with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (1115.96±411.40mm2).
ConclusionsGreater anterior-posterior path length and excursion areas and a more posterior mean position of the centre of pressures were found in the neuromuscular electrical stimulation test. We also found greater total excursions and velocity, and a more lateral mean position of the centre of pressures in the viscoelastic surface tests.