Influence of age, body mass index and leg dominance on functional ankle stability.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to examine the influence of age, body mass index (BMI) and leg dominance on the PRT, balance control and foot position sense.


METHODS
The proprioception of the ankle was investigated in 210 participants. All participants completed a questionnaire. The PRT was measured on a tilting platform. The position sense test was performed. Balance control was assessed with the Biodex Stability System (BSS), measuring the overall stability index (OSI) at the stable level 8 and the unstable level 2. Correlation analyses were performed between these data and age, BMI and leg dominance, using the Spearman-Rho coefficient with a two-sided significance level of p < 0.05.


RESULTS
Significant increases of the PRT and OSI in correlation to increased age and BMI were noted for both legs (p < 0.05). No positive correlation to age, BMI or leg dominance could be demonstrated for the foot position sense test. The PRT of the right leg was always significantly faster than that of the left leg, irrespective of leg dominance (p < 0.05). Surprisingly, individuals with a dominant right leg achieved better OSI scores in left single leg stance at the unstable level 2 (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The PRT and the postural stability correlate with age and BMI, whereas the position sense test of the ankle does not. Furthermore, the PRT in right legs is always faster. This should be noted when functional ankle stability is evaluated in patients.
Rein
Susanne
S
Department of Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital, 01307 Dresden, Germany. susanne.rein@web.de
Fabian
Tobias
T
Zwipp
Hans
H
Mittag-Bonsch
Martina
M
Weindel
Stefan
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010543:Peroneal Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D055815:Young Adult