Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

• Akram Jamali ¹
• Saeed Forghany ²
• Khadijeh Bapirzadeh ¹

¹ MSc Student, Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

² Associate Professor, Faculty Member, Musculoskeletal Research Center, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Introduction:Balance impairments are one of the important complications in subjects with functional ankle instability (FAI) that has been reported to be associatedwithjoint mechanoreceptorinjuries. Textured insole effecting on plantar cutaneous of the feet, may improve postural control and reduce the risk of injury in subjects with FAI.The aim of this study therefore was to investigate the effect of textured insole on standing balance in subjects with FAI.Materials and Methods: Double limb static balance in21 young athletesdiagnosed withFAIwastested by using force plate during two shod conditions: 1) flat EVA(Ethyl Vinyl Acetate) base insole 2) Textured flat EVA insole. Standing balance variables,includingcenter-of-pressure meandistance and mean velocity in anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions, area of 95% confidence circle and sway areawere recorded. The results were statistically analyzed using the nonparametric Wilcoxon Signed Rank.Results: All standing balance variables were reduced while wearing textured flat EVA insole compared to flat EVA base insole,but statistically significant reduction only was obtained in the area of 95% confidence circle(433/99±243/87mm2 versus 621/44±440/03mm2، p<0.05).Conclusion: Use of texture on a flat insole in FAI may have some positive impact on standing balance. Keywords: functional ankle instability, static balance, textured insole