Comparison of Barefoot and Shod Rehabilitation Exercises For Increasing Balance and Intrinsic Foot Strength For Chronic Ankle Instability

Although most ankle sprains are resolved with conservative treatment, persistent symptoms might remain and a number of them may develop into Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI). The purpose of this study was to observe whether barefoot training exercises would increase balance and intrinsic foot strength in chronic ankle instability as opposed to shod rehabilitation or no rehabilitation. 20 volunteers (height = 173.85 ± 10.75, weight = 80.16 ± 23.17, age = 21.05 ± 2.39) were recruited and placed into 3 separate rehabilitation protocols. A 3-week rehab protocol focusing on balance training and intrinsic foot muscle strength was performed and measurements were taken for the Athletic Single Leg Test, modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction & Balance, Functional Ability and Ankle Measure (FAAM), and Intrinsic Foot Muscle Test (IFMT). Change scores for FAAM were significant between participants who were shod during rehabilitation and control (p = 0.032) and for barefoot rehabilitation and control (p = 0.001). SLO (Single Leg Overall Stability) was significant between barefoot and control (p = 0.02) and trending toward significance for shoes and control (p = 0.051). No difference was seen between barefoot and shod conditions during rehabilitation. Balance training and intrinsic foot muscle strengthening significantly improved self-reported functional and static postural control for CAI and was not dependent on footwear.

Name thesis:degree_name

MS

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

College of Education, Health and Human Services / School of Health Sciences

Grantor dc:publisher

Kent State University

Year dc:date

2013

Author dc:creator

• Hentkowski, Brandon S.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Peer, Kimberly

• Rehabilitation
• Sports Medicine

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1365164540

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:etd.ohiolink.edu:kent1365164540