Medial Compressible Forefoot Sole Elements Reduce Ankle Inversion in Lateral SSC Jumps

Abstract

Sideward movements are associated with high incidences of lateral ankle sprains. Special shoe constructions might be able to reduce these injuries during lateral movements. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether medial compressible forefoot sole elements can reduce ankle inversion in a reactive lateral movement, and to evaluate those elements’ influence on neuromuscular and mechanical adjustments in lower extremities. Foot placement and frontal plane ankle joint kinematics and kinetics were analyzed by 3-dimensional motion analysis. Electromyographic data of triceps surae, peroneus longus, and tibialis anterior were collected. This modified shoe reduced ankle inversion in comparison with a shoe with a standard sole construction. No differences in ankle inversion moments were found. With the modified shoe, foot placement occurred more internally rotated, and muscle activity of the lateral shank muscles was reduced. Hence, lateral ankle joint stability during reactive sideward movements can be improved by these compressible elements, and therefore lower lateral shank muscle activity is required. As those elements limit inversion, the strategy to control inversion angles via a high external foot rotation does not need to be used.

The Epidemiology of Deltoid Ligament Sprains in 25 National Collegiate Athletic Association Sports, 2009–2010 Through 2014–2015 Academic Years

“…The findings of our study agree with those of the previous literature: the highest incidence of ankle sprains occurred in team sports that involve contact between players (American football, Australian football, field hockey, Gaelic football, lacrosse, rugby, and soccer). 14 We did not examine other factors related to deltoid ligament sprains that may increase (eg, previous injury history) 2,6,8 or reduce (eg, taping and bracing techniques, 15,16 shoe design, 17 teamspecific strengthening programming) injury risk. Future investigators should evaluate these potential injury risk factors and prevention strategies.…”