Abstract
Objective-Soccer players with ftunctional
instability of the ankle joint have shown
impairment of postural control in single
limb stance. The aim of this study was to
examine the effect of stance perturbation.
Methods-A standardised method for the
study of postural corrections after perturbation
(Equitest) was used. Female soccer
players with and without functional instability
were examined.
Results-The subjects showed a relative
change from ankle to hip synergy at
medially directed translations of the support
surface. This impairment was restored
after eight weeks of ankle disk
training. The effect ofa shoe and brace did
not exceed the effect of the shoe alone.
Conclusions-Functional instability seems
to be related to impaired ability to retain
equilibrium in single limb stance by means
of ankle corrections. A positive effect of
ankle disk training leading to fimctional
restoration was confirmed.
(BrJ Sports Med 1996;30:151-155)