56 Peak plantar pressures during walking in chronic ankle instability and healthy patients. (12th October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Webster, KA; Vincent, L; Docherty, CA
• Is Part Of: British journal of sports medicine. Volume 49(2015)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A22
• Page End: A23
• Publication Date: 2015-10-12
• Subjects: Sports medicine -- Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2015-095573.56
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-3674

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Due to the prevalence of ankle instability in active individuals, it is important to understand what characteristics patients with ankle instability exhibit during dynamic tasks. Appreciating differences in peak plantar pressures (PPP) during walking may provide insight to understanding why these patients suffer subsequent injuries. Objective: Measure PPP in 3 areas of the foot during walking in those with and without chronic ankle instability (CAI). Design: Case-control study. Setting: University biomechanics laboratory. Participants: 20 physically active participants were each assigned to the CAI group (20 ± 30 years; 173.61 ± 7.84 cm; 73.91 ± 17.58 kg), 20 and to the control group (20 ± 10 years; 169.90 ± 9.50 cm; 64.53 ± 14.01 kg). Interventions: At a self-selected speed, participants walked barefoot across Tekscan™ pressure mats, creating a footprint of peak pressure data. Using the Tekscan™ software, the footprint for the involved and matched control ankle was divided into 3 areas and PPP in each area were determined. Main outcome measurements: PPP in medial rear-foot (MRF), lateral rear-foot (LRF) and mid-foot (MF). Results: The MRF PPP was significantly higher (F = 5.25, p = 0.028) in those with CAI (Kpa 2 = 292.48 ± 40.72) compared with controls (Kpa 2 = 258.33 ± 59.79) during walking. There were no significant differences in the LRF or MF between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: This confirms previous studies which have demonstrated differences in plantar pressure of patients with CAI compared to controls. The increased medial rear-foot pressure may be the result of a protective strategy, avoiding inversion as a mechanism for subsequent injuries. More kinematic data should be collected to determine actual position of the foot at initial contact of walking gait.