Citation

Caplan N, Forbes AB, Radha S, Stewart S, Ewen A, St Clair Gibson A, Kader D. J. Sport Rehab. 2014; 24(2): 156-162.

Affiliation

Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Human Kinetics Publishers)

DOI

10.1123/jsr.2013-0137

PMID

25365574

Abstract

CONTEXT: Ankle immobilisation is often used following ankle injury.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of one week's unilateral ankle immobilisation on plantarflexor strength, balance and walking gait in asymptomatic volunteers.

DESIGN: Repeated measures laboratory study. SETTING: University laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Six physically active male participants with no recent history of lower limb injury. INTERVENTIONS: Participants completed a one week period of ankle immobilisation achieved through wearing a below knee ankle cast. Before the cast was applied, as well as immediately following cast removal, at 24 hours after cast removal, and at 48 hours after cast removal, their plantarflexor strength was assessed isokinetically, and they completed a single leg balance task as a measure of proprioceptive function. An analysis of their walking gait was also completed MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Peak platarflexor torque and balance were used to determine any effect on muscle strength and proprioception following cast removal. Ranges of motion (3D) of the ankle, knee and hip, as well as walking speed were used to assess any influence on walking gait.

RESULTS: Following cast removal, plantarflexor strength was reduced for the majority of participants (p=0.063, CI=-33.98-1.31) and balance performance was reduced in the immobilised limb (p<0.05, CI=0.84-5.16). Both strength and balance were not significantly different to baseline levels by 48 hours. Walking speed was not significantly different immediately following cast removal, but increased progressively above baseline walking speed over the following 48 hours. Joint ranges of motion were not significantly different at any time point.

CONCLUSIONS: The reduction in strength and balance after such a short period of immobilisation suggested compromised central and peripheral neural mechanisms. This suggestion appeared consistent with the delayed increase in walking speed which could occur as a result of the excitability of the neural pathways increasing towards baseline levels.

Language: en