Mechanical and Sensorimotor Implications With Ankle Osteoarthritis
Presented to the American College of Sports Medicine, May 25–29, 2008, Indianapolis, IN.
Abstract
Hubbard TJ, Hicks-Little C, Cordova M. Mechanical and sensorimotor implications with ankle osteoarthritis.
Objective
To understand the mechanical and sensorimotor adaptations that may occur with ankle osteoarthritis (OA).
Design
Case-control.
Setting
Biodynamics research laboratory.
Participants
Subjects with ankle OA (n=8; 4 males, 4 females) were matched to healthy controls (n=8; 4 males, 4 females).
Interventions
Not applicable.
Main Outcome Measures
Mechanical joint stability was assessed with an instrumented ankle arthrometer. Static balance was measured using a force platform during a double-legged stance. Isometric ankle/foot complex strength in the sagittal and frontal plane was assessed with a handheld dynamometer. Last, subjective level of function was assessed using the foot and ankle disability index.
Results
There were significant group × side interactions for anterior displacement, inversion rotation, eversion rotation, ankle isometric strength, and the foot and ankle disability index (P<.05). The affected ankle of the OA group demonstrated significantly more mechanical stiffness, more impairments in ankle/foot isometric strength, and less subjective level of function than the matched controls. Additionally, the ankle OA group exhibited significantly more center of pressure displacement, total velocity, and medial-lateral velocity (P<.05).
Conclusions
These limitations observed in joint laxity, postural control, muscle strength, and perceived function provide evidence that patients with ankle OA display a number of characteristics that affect joint stability and overall function. These identified impairments necessitate the need for rehabilitation and exercise programs to be developed to help improve joint stability and function in patients with ankle OA.
Reprint requests to Tricia J. Hubbard, PhD, ATC, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Dept of Kinesiology, 9201 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28223
Supported by the University of North Carolina Charlotte Junior Faculty Grant Program.
No commercial party having a direct financial interest in the results of the research supporting this article has or will confer a benefit on the authors or on any organization with which the authors are associated.