Abstract

BACKGROUND: Whole body vibration (WBV) platforms are currently used as adjunctive training devices for exercise programs, and have been shown to facilitate flexibility. One of the biggest contributing factors to chronic ankle instability (CAI) is the lack of dorsiflexion after lateral ankle sprains and WBV may be an effective way to increase range of motion in this population. PURPOSE: Determine if WBV done concurrently with static stretching (SS) is more effective then SS alone in improving dorsiflexion ROM in subjects with CAI. METHODS: Subjects were divided into 3 groups (control, static stretch, and static stretch and vibrate). Subjects stretched 4 days/wk for 3 wks for 4 sets of 30 seconds alternating 2 different positions to stretch both the soleus and the gastrocnemius. Imposed vibration at 34 Hz 2mm during the stretches for the stretch group. ANALYSIS: Repeated measures ANOVA was performed using SPSS (version 19), with post-hoc Tukey tests as needed (p<.05). RESULTS: In both the straight and bent leg position, a significant group x time interaction was found for dorsiflexion range of motion. Post hoc tests revealed significance in the SV group between pre-tx and post-tx 1 and pre-tx and post-tx 2. No statistical significance was found between post-tx 1 and post-tx 2 in the SV group or at any time in the N or SS group. DISCUSSION: Static Stretching with vibration increases dorsiflexion ROM in subjects with CAI better than static stretching alone.

Degree

College and Department

Life Sciences; Exercise Sciences

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