Nike™ Hypervenom-X footwear with and without localized ankle compression impact static and dynamic postural stability differently

Abstract Purpose The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of athletic footwear with and without an in-built ankle compression on static and dynamic postural stability. Methods Twenty participants completed the modified clinical test of sensory integration of balance (mCTSIB) [eyes open (EO), eyes closed (EC), eyes open foam surface (EOF), and eyes closed foam surface (ECF)], and the limits of stability (LOS) tests with volitional leaning in all directions [front left (FL), back left (BL), back right (BR), front right (FR)] on the BTrackS™. Both tests were completed in each footwear condition [barefoot (BF), Nike™ Hypervenom-X footwear with built-in compression sock (S) or with no sock (NS)] assigned in counter-balanced order. Center of pressure (COP) area was assessed for LOS, and COP path length was assessed for mCTSIB. For mCTSIB a 3(footwear condition) × 4(balance conditions) repeated-measures ANOVA was conducted, and for LOS, a 3(footwear condition) × 4(direction) repeated-measures ANOVA was conducted both with an alpha level of 0.05. Results A significant interaction between footwear and balance condition was noted for mCTSIB. Post hoc comparisons revealed that during ECF trials, NS and S demonstrated greater postural stability compared to BF conditions. Significant main effects for LOS were found for footwear and direction. Greater LOS was observed in BF and NS compared to the S. Conclusion Findings indicate that when other sensory systems are not fully available, athletic footwear may aid to improve static postural stability; however, the ankle compression may negatively affect dynamic stability.