Abstract
The postural control of ten male soccer players with functional instability (FI) of
the ankle joint, i.e., recurrent sprains and/or a feeling of giving way, was studied
before and after ankle disk training. Postural control was studied by means of stabilometry
and an optoelectronic movement recording system.
In the present study, we found increased postural sway in men with functional instability,
which is in line with previous studies. We found improved postural control after ankle
disk training as shown by stabilometry. Postural correction patterns were restored,
and segmental displacement amplitudes reached even supranormal values. A subgroup
of players with unilateral FI also decreased postural sway when standing on the non-symptomatic,
untrained foot after ankle disk training. This bilateral improvement and the restored
postural correction pattern do not tally with Freemans proprioceptive theory for postural
control, but stresses the importance of central motor programs.
Key words
ankle joint - functional instability - postural control - ankle disk training - stabilometry
- movement recording system
