title: Mechanical and sensorimotor implications with ankle osteoarthritis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To understand the mechanical and sensorimotor adaptations that may occur with ankle osteoarthritis (OA).
  
  
  METHODS
  Case-control.
  
  
  METHODS
  Biodynamics research laboratory.
  
  
  METHODS
  Subjects with ankle OA (n=8; 4 males, 4 females) were matched to healthy controls (n=8; 4 males, 4 females).
  
  
  METHODS
  Not applicable.
  
  
  METHODS
  Mechanical joint stability was assessed with an instrumented ankle arthrometer. Static balance was measured using a force platform during a double-legged stance. Isometric ankle/foot complex strength in the sagittal and frontal plane was assessed with a handheld dynamometer. Last, subjective level of function was assessed using the foot and ankle disability index.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were significant group x side interactions for anterior displacement, inversion rotation, eversion rotation, ankle isometric strength, and the foot and ankle disability index (P<.05). The affected ankle of the OA group demonstrated significantly more mechanical stiffness, more impairments in ankle/foot isometric strength, and less subjective level of function than the matched controls. Additionally, the ankle OA group exhibited significantly more center of pressure displacement, total velocity, and medial-lateral velocity (P<.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These limitations observed in joint laxity, postural control, muscle strength, and perceived function provide evidence that patients with ankle OA display a number of characteristics that affect joint stability and overall function. These identified impairments necessitate the need for rehabilitation and exercise programs to be developed to help improve joint stability and function in patients with ankle OA.
authors: Department of Kinesiology, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA. thubbar1@uncc.edu
authors: Tricia J
authors: TJ
authors: Hubbard
authors: Charlie
authors: C
authors: Hicks-Little
authors: Mitchell
authors: M
authors: Cordova
mesh_terms: D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004856:Postural Balance