Effects of different types of plantar stimulation on plantar tactility, proprioception and balance in patients with chronic ankle instability.

Study Summary

40 patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI) were randomized to receive 5 minutes of tactile plantar stimulation or vibratory plantar stimulation. Outcomes of interest included static and dynamic balance, ankle proprioception, and plantar tactile sensitivity. Static balance was assessed using centre of pressure measurements, dynamic balance using the Y-Balance Test (YBT), proprioception using inversion kinesthesia and joint position sense, and plantar tactile sensitivity using monofilament testing. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, immediately after stimulation, and at 30 and 60 minutes. Overall, the results of the study revealed that both interventions improved static balance, inversion proprioception, and plantar tactile sensitivity. However, vibratory stimulation produced significantly greater improvements in dynamic balance at all post-intervention assessments and greater immediate improvement in heel tactile sensitivity. These findings suggested that brief plantar stimulation produced immediate sensorimotor benefits, with vibration offering additional short-term improvements in dynamic balance.