The relationship between ankle joint physiological characteristics and balance control during unilateral stance

- We examine the physiological aspects of the ankle in relation to unilateral stance.
- Plantarflexion stiffness is positively associated with unilateral balance control.
- Dorsiflexion stiffness is negatively associated with unilateral balance control.
- The ankle has limited influence on unilateral stance balance control.
- Balance training protocols need to be reconsidered in order to enhance performance.

BackgroundThe role that the ankle's physiological characteristics play in maintaining balance during quiet stance has been well documented. However, the role of the ankle in maintaining balance during more challenging conditions is questionable. As such, the objectives of this study were to identify any significant relationships between the physiological characteristics of the ankle joint and the ability to maintain more challenging unilateral stance.Participants21 healthy, adult athletes (age = 24.67 ± 5.42 years; height = 175.34 ± 7.48 cms; weight = 79.09 ± 14.07 kg).ProceduresPassive resistance and joint position sense in the sagittal plane of the ankle, and active dorsiflexion range of motion of each subject was assessed, in addition to centre of pressure parameters during 20 s unilateral stance.ResultsPearson's product moment correlation coefficient found significant positive correlations between Dpeak torque and sway area (r = .554); Ax range (r = .449); and Ay range (r = .471). Significant negative correlations were found between Ppeak torque angle and sway area (r = −.538, p = .012), Ax range (r = −.590, p = .005) and Ay range (r = −.439, p = .046).DiscussionThe results highlighted limited relationships between unilateral stance balance control and the ankle characteristics commonly associated with quiet stance balance control and has, thus, further questioned the role that the ankle plays during more challenging stance conditions. The majority of balance training protocols in the athletic community focuses on the distal joints, however, this needs re-addressing in order to maximise performance.