Effect of soft brace wearing on plantar dynamics in patients with chronic ankle instability / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of daily soft brace wearing on plantar dynamics during walking in patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI). MethodsA total of 52 patients with unilateral chronic ankle instability (CAI) in Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital from February, 2021 to January, 2023 were randomly divided into control group (n = 26) and experimental group (n = 26). Both groups underwent an eight-week exercise training program. The control group wore placebo brace during daily activities, while the experimental group wore soft ankle brace. Plantar dynamic parameters were measured using a pressure plate system during walking, including peak plantar pressure and plantar impulse before and after intervention. ResultsSix participants dropped out in the control group and five in the experimental group, resulting in a final inclusion of 41 participants. After intervention, there was no significant difference in peak plantar pressure and impulse on the affected side in the control group among different areas (P > 0.05). In the experimental group, the peak pressure and impulse in the heel medial, heel lateral and forefoot medial areas increased (|t| > 4.192, P < 0.001), while the peak pressure and impulse in the midfoot and lateral forefoot areas decreased (t > 2.984, P < 0.05); the peak pressure and impulse in the heel medial, heel lateral and forefoot medial areas were higher in the experimental group than in the control group (|t| > 2.126, P < 0.05), and the peak pressure and impulse were lower in the midfoot and forefoot lateral areas (t > 2.133, P < 0.05). ConclusionWearing a soft brace during daily activities may optimize the distribution of peak plantar pressure and plantar impulse on the affected side in patients with CAI, which may prevent recurrence of sprains.