Effect of sensor location for modifying center of pressure during gait using haptic feedback in people with chronic ankle instability.

Background: Gait retraining using haptic biofeedback medially shifts the center of pressure (COP) while walking in orthopedic populations. However, the ideal sensor location needed to effectively shift COP medially has not been identified in people with chronic ankle instability (CAI).

Research Questions: Can a heel sensor location feasibly be employed in people with CAI without negatively altering kinematics? Does a heel sensor placement relative to the 5th metatarsal head (5MH) impact COP location while walking in people with CAI?

Methods: In this exploratory crossover study, 10 participants with CAI walked on a treadmill with vibration feedback for 10 minutes with a plantar pressure sensor under the heel and 5MH.

Immediate effects of vibration biofeedback on ankle kinematics in people with chronic ankle instability.

Background: People with chronic ankle instability are more inverted during initial contact and loading response which may increase the risk of subsequent ankle injuries. Vibration feedback gait retraining causes medial center of pressure shifts but its impact on ankle kinematics remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to understand kinematic ankle changes in people with chronic ankle instability following vibration feedback gait retraining.

Acute Vibration Feedback During Gait Reduces Mechanical Ankle Joint Loading in Chronic Ankle Instability Patients.

Background: Individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) exhibit altered vertical ground reaction forces (vGRF), a laterally shifted center of pressure, and an inverted foot position during walking. These neuromechanical alterations are linked with altered ankle joint loading in this population. Vibration-based gait retraining improves center of pressure positioning but effects on neuromechanical variables influencing joint loading remains unknown.

The effect of laboratory and real world gait training with vibration feedback on center of pressure during gait in people with chronic ankle instability.

Background: External feedback has can medially shift the center of pressure (COP) location in people with chronic ankle instability(CAI) during walking. However, previous modalities are restricted to controlled environments which limits motor learning. Vibration feedback during gait may maximize motor learning by allowing for training in the laboratory and real world (RW) but has not been investigated in those with CAI.