earticle

영어

This study investigated the effects of sensory stimulation applied to the plantar surface of the hallux on muscle activities and static balance in individuals with chronic ankle instability. Twenty-two participants—11 with chronic ankle instability and 11 healthy controls—performed single-leg stance tasks under two conditions: with and without the sensory stimulation. The insoles were equipped with a 0.8 mm protruding element positioned beneath the hallux to provide targeted mechanical stimulation to plantar cutaneous mechanoreceptors, thereby enhancing sensory input related to pressure and touch during weight-bearing tasks. Surface electromyography was used to measure the activity of the abductor hallucis, tibialis anterior, and soleus muscles, with all muscle activity normalized to the percentage of maximal voluntary isometric contraction. Static balance was assessed by measuring the duration of single-leg stance. In the chronic ankle instability group, wearing the insoles significantly increased abductor hallucis activity and improved static balance performance. In the healthy control group, static balance also improved significantly with insole use, although no changes were observed in muscle activation. Additionally, no significant differences were found between the two groups in muscle activation or static balance performance while wearing the insoles. These findings suggest that mechanical sensory stimulation applied to the hallux via thin insoles may enhance abductor hallucis activation and static balance in individuals with chronic ankle instability. Such insoles may serve as an effective supplementary intervention for promoting functional rehabilitation in individuals with chronic ankle instability.