Effect of ankle dorsi-plantar flexor muscle strength ratio on balance and plantar pressure distribution

Objective : Our study is planned to research the effects of ankle dorsi-plantar flexor muscle strength ratio on postural control, balance and plantar pressure distribution in healthy individuals. Material and Method : This study involved Individual between ages 18-30 who were studying in Dokuz Eylül University Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation. Demographic data of these individuals were analyzed. Balance was measured by Balance Master, muscle strength was measured by computerized dynamometer and plantar pressure distribution was measured by EMED Pedobarograph. The effects of ankle dorsi-plantar flexor muscle strength ratio (DPR) on postural control, balance and plantar pressure distribution were analyzed. Statistical analysis was made with Statistical Package for Social Science Windows 15.0 software with Pearson corolation test. Results : 40 of the participants age between 18-30 (23.78±3.02) right ankle dorsi-plantar flexor muscle strength was found to be 0.95±0.4, left dorsi-plantar flexor muscle strength was found to be 1.02±0.3. The assessments were done bilaterally and there is no significant difference among muscle strength so right foot used. There was a negative, moderate and statistically significant correlation in right foot DPR time-pressure integral and maximum force measurements. Conclusion : In this study due to the dorsi-plantar flexor muscle strengths of healthy young individuals are 8.57:8.67 have slight effects on balance and plantar pressure. The muscle strength of dori-plantar flexion possibly drew a veil over the effects of maintaining postural stability. Because of this reason it is thought that researches needed to be done in order to determine the threshold ratio values of participants with different ages that detoriate postural stability. Keywords : Muscle strength ratio, balance, plantar pressure, postural control, pedobarography, limit of stability, unilateral stance