Effects of global postural reeducation on postural control, dynamic balance, and ankle range of motion in patients with hallux abducto valgus. A randomized controlled trial.

Hallux abducto valgus (HAV) is a common musculoskeletal disorder that has been addressed surgically. Nevertheless, the manual therapy approach may play an important role in the management of this condition. The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of global postural reeducation (GPR) in subjects with symptomatic mild to moderate HAV in static postural control, dynamic stability, and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM). A total of 80 patients with mild to moderate symptomatic HAV were allocated to the intervention group (GPR) or control group (CG) (no treatment) for 8 weeks. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline at 4 and 8 weeks including static postural control (Romberg test), dynamic balance (Star Excursion Balance Test [SEBT]), and ankle DFROM (Weight-Bearing Lunge Test [WBLT]). No improvements were observed at 4 weeks, but there were improvements at 8 weeks in: static postural control mediolateral displacement (X) of center of pressure (CoP) in both eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC): XEO (t(36) = 2.892, p = .006, d = 0.67); XEC (t(68) = 2.280, p = .026, d = 054); and velocity (V) of CoP displacement: VEO (t(68) = 2.380, p = .020, d = 0.57); VEC (t(36) = 2.057, p = .047, d = 0.37). It were also improvements in: WBLT (t(36) = -2.869, p = .007, d = 0.54) and SEBT at three directions (anterior, ANT; posteromedial, PM; and posterolateral, PL): SEBT.ANT (t(36) = -2.292, p = .028, d = 0.23); SEBT.PM (t(36) = -4.075, p < .001, d = 0.43); SEBT.PL (t(62) = -3.506, p = .001, d = 0.34). The present study showed that GPR compared to the CG might be effective in enhancing ankle function including postural control, dynamic balance, and DFROM.

The Effects of Abdominal Hypopressive Training on Postural Control and Deep Trunk Muscle Activation: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal Hypopressive Training (AHT) provides postural improvement, and enhances deep trunk muscle activation. However, until recently, there was a lack of scientific literature supporting these statements. The major purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of AHT on posture control and deep trunk muscle function. METHODS: 125 female participants aged 18-60 were randomly allocated to the Experimental Group (EG), consisting of two sessions of 30 min per week for 8 weeks of AHT, or the Control Group (CG), who did not receive any treatment. Postural control was measured with a stabilometric platform to assess the static balance and the activation of deep trunk muscles (specifically the Transverse Abdominal muscle (TrA)), which was measured by real-time ultrasound imaging. RESULTS: The groups were homogeneous at baseline. Statistical differences were identified between both groups after intervention in the Surface of the Center of Pressure (CoP) Open-Eyes (S-OE) (p = 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.60) and the Velocity of CoP under both conditions; Open-Eyes (V-OE) (p = 0.001, Cohen´s d = 0.63) and Close-Eyes (V-CE) (p = 0.016, Cohen´s d = 0.016), with the EG achieving substantial improvements. Likewise, there were statistically significant differences between measurements over time for the EG on S-OE (p < 0.001, Cohen´s d = 0.99); V-OE (p = 0.038, Cohen´s d = 0.27); V-CE (p = 0.006, Cohen´s d = 0.39), anteroposterior movements of CoP with Open-Eyes (RMSY-OE) (p = 0.038, Cohen´s d = 0.60) and activity of TrA under contraction conditions (p < 0.001, Cohen´s d = 0.53). CONCLUSIONS: The application of eight weeks of AHT leads to positive outcomes in posture control, as well as an improvement in the deep trunk muscle contraction in the female population.