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01-05-2020 | Original Article

Relationship between ankle plantar flexor force steadiness and postural stability on stable and unstable platforms

Authors: Tetsuya Hirono, Tome Ikezoe, Masashi Taniguchi, Momoko Yamagata, Kosuke Miyakoshi, Jun Umehara, Noriaki Ichihashi

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 5/2020

Abstract

Purpose

This study was aimed at determining the relationship between ankle plantar flexor force steadiness and postural control during single leg standing on stable and unstable platforms.

Methods

For the thirty-three healthy participants, force steadiness, at target torques of 5%, 20%, and 50% of the maximum voluntary torque (MVT) of the ankle plantar flexors, was measured. Force steadiness was calculated as the coefficient of variation of force. Single leg standing on stable and unstable platforms was performed using the BIODEX Balance System SD. The standard deviation of the anteroposterior center of pressure (COP) displacements was measured as the index for postural control. During both measurements, muscle activities of the soleus were collected using surface electromyography.

Results

On the stable platform, the COP fluctuation significantly correlated with force steadiness at 5% of MVT (r = 0.512, p = 0.002). On the unstable platform, the COP fluctuation significantly correlated with force steadiness at 20% of MVT (r = 0.458, p = 0.007). However, the extent of muscle activity observed for a single leg standing on both stable and unstable platforms was significantly greater than the muscle activity observed while performing force steadiness tasks at 5% and 20% of MVT, respectively.

Conclusion

Postural stability during single leg standing on stable and unstable platforms may be related to one’s ability to maintain constant torque at 5% and 20% of MVT regardless of the muscle activity. These results suggest that the required abilities to control muscle force differ depending on the postural control tasks.

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Title: Relationship between ankle plantar flexor force steadiness and postural stability on stable and unstable platforms
Authors: Tetsuya Hirono
Tome Ikezoe
Masashi Taniguchi
Momoko Yamagata
Kosuke Miyakoshi
Jun Umehara
Noriaki Ichihashi
Publication date: 01-05-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 5/2020
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-020-04346-0

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Relationship between ankle plantar flexor force steadiness and postural stability on stable and unstable platforms

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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