6 research outputs found
The effect of different skin-ankle brace application pressures on quiet single-limb balance and electromyographic activation onset of lower limb muscles
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Several studies have been carried out in order to investigate the effect of ankle bracing on ankle joint function and performance. However, no study so far has examined the role of skin-brace interface pressure in neuromuscular control. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different skin-ankle brace interface pressures on quiet single limb balance and the electromyographic (EMG) activation sequence of four lower limb muscles.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Thirty three male physical education students who volunteered to take part in the study were measured under three ankle brace conditions: i) without brace, ii) with brace and 30 kPa application pressure and iii) with brace and 60 kPa application pressure. Single limb balance (anteroposterior and mediolateral parameter) was assessed on the dominant lower limb, with open and closed eyes, on a force platform, simultaneously with the EMG recording of four lower lower limb muscles' (gastrocnemius, peroneus longus, rectus femoris and biceps femoris) activation onset.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The results showed that overall balance (total stability parameter) was not significantly affected in any of the three ankle brace conditions. However, the anteroposterior centre of pressure excursion and centre of pressure excursion velocity were significantly increased with the application of ankle brace, both with 30 and 60 kPa application pressures. Furthermore, it was found that single limb balance was significantly worse with closed eyes compared to open eyes. EMG measurements showed that the sequence of lower limb activation onset was not affected in any of the three ankle brace application conditions. The results of this study showed that the application of an ankle brace with two different skin-brace interface pressures had no effect on overall single limb balance and the sequence of lower limb muscle activation.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>These findings suggest that peripheral joint receptors are either not adequately stimulated by the brace application and therefore are not able to alter the balance control strategy of the CNS, or that they play a less important role in the control of single limb balance. Further research is needed in this area with more dynamic and functional measurements, before the safe use of ankle bracing can be widely recommended.</p
The effect of different skin-ankle brace application pressures on quiet single-limb balance and electromyographic activation onset of lower limb muscles
Background: Several studies have been carried out in order to
investigate the effect of ankle bracing on ankle joint function and
performance. However, no study so far has examined the role of
skin-brace interface pressure in neuromuscular control. The aim of this
study was to investigate the effect of different skin-ankle brace
interface pressures on quiet single limb balance and the
electromyographic (EMG) activation sequence of four lower limb muscles.
Methods: Thirty three male physical education students who volunteered
to take part in the study were measured under three ankle brace
conditions: i) without brace, ii) with brace and 30 kPa application
pressure and iii) with brace and 60 kPa application pressure. Single
limb balance ( anteroposterior and mediolateral parameter) was assessed
on the dominant lower limb, with open and closed eyes, on a force
platform, simultaneously with the EMG recording of four lower lower limb
muscles’ ( gastrocnemius, peroneus longus, rectus femoris and biceps
femoris) activation onset.
Results: The results showed that overall balance ( total stability
parameter) was not significantly affected in any of the three ankle
brace conditions. However, the anteroposterior centre of pressure
excursion and centre of pressure excursion velocity were significantly
increased with the application of ankle brace, both with 30 and 60 kPa
application pressures. Furthermore, it was found that single limb
balance was significantly worse with closed eyes compared to open eyes.
EMG measurements showed that the sequence of lower limb activation onset
was not affected in any of the three ankle brace application conditions.
The results of this study showed that the application of an ankle brace
with two different skin-brace interface pressures had no effect on
overall single limb balance and the sequence of lower limb muscle
activation.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that peripheral joint receptors are
either not adequately stimulated by the brace application and therefore
are not able to alter the balance control strategy of the CNS, or that
they play a less important role in the control of single limb balance.
Further research is needed in this area with more dynamic and functional
measurements, before the safe use of ankle bracing can be widely
recommended
Skin-ankle brace interface pressure pattern for 60 kPa (left) and 30 kPa (right) pressure application conditions
<p><b>Copyright information:</b></p><p>Taken from "The effect of different skin-ankle brace application pressures on quiet single-limb balance and electromyographic activation onset of lower limb muscles"</p><p>http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2474/8/89</p><p>BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2007;8():89-89.</p><p>Published online 12 Sep 2007</p><p>PMCID:PMC2064916.</p><p></p