Effects of Elastic Ankle Orthosis on Dynamic Balance, Kinematics and Muscle Activity during Gait in Elderly Individuals with Ankle Instability

Purpose: Physical changes, such as a decrease in balance and muscle weakness in the elderly, can affect gait and increase the risk of falls.This study aimed to evaluate the effects of wearing an elastic ankle orthosis on muscle activity, kinematics, and dynamic balance during gait of elderly individuals with ankle instability.Methods: Eighteen elderly women aged 65 years and above with ankle instability were recruited, and eight were selected for participation.Dynamic balance was assessed using the Timed Up and Go test, and muscle activity was evaluated using surface electromyography.Kinematics were recorded using an inertial measurement unit sensor.Participants performed gait tests before and after wearing the orthosis, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for statistical analysis.Results: After wearing the elastic ankle orthosis, tibialis anterior muscle activity significantly decreased during the initial swing phase.Ankle plantarflexion increased during the loading response, initial swing, and mid-swing phases, and pelvic posterior rotation increased during the pre-swing and initial swing phases.There was no significant difference in the Timed Up and Go test. Conclusion:Wearing an elastic ankle orthosis may help improve gait patterns in elderly individuals with ankle instability.However, it requires careful guidance from an expert.