Author(s): CANZONE, A., GIUSTINO, V., SCARDINA, G., VICARI, D.S.S., BRUSA, J., PATTI, A., THOMAS, E., DRID, P., BIANCO, A., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF VERONA, Country: ITALY, Abstract-ID: 983

INTRODUCTION:
Posture is an automatic and unconscious condition regulated by the Tonic Postural System (TPS), which integrates multisensory afferent inputs to maintain balance and guide movements (1). Given the key role of plantar proprioception in postural control, this study investigated whether plantar proprioceptive stimulation leads to changes on dynamic balance and ankle joint range of motion (ROM). We hypothesized that such stimulation might improve dynamic balance but not induce changes in ankle joint ROM.
METHODS:
Twenty physically active young adults (mean age: 22.9  1.36 years, height: 169.3  8.84 cm, weight: 64.2  10.44 kg) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG, n=10) or a control group (CG, n=10). The EG performed a session of plantar proprioceptive stimulation involving walking on a 2-meter reflexology mat (3x1-minute with 30-second rest among series) and balance exercises on proprioceptive pads, while the CG rested in a supine position for an equivalent period of time (i.e., 14 minutes). Dynamic balance was assessed using the Y-Balance Test (YBT) and ankle joint ROM (i.e., dorsiflexion and plantar flexion) was measured using an inertial sensor (Beyond, Motustech). Assessments were conducted before (T0) and immediately after (T1) the intervention.
RESULTS:
The EG showed significant improvement in YBT from T0 (mean right: 88.1  12.96 cm; mean left: 88.7  13.57 cm) to T1 (mean right: 93.9  13.15 cm; mean left: 95.6  11.61 cm) for both right (p=0.005) and left stance legs (p=0.004). No significant changes were observed in ankle joint ROM in either group (p>0.05) for both feet.
CONCLUSION:
Plantar proprioceptive stimulation effectively enhanced dynamic balance and not affect ankle joint ROM. These results support neurosensorial and motor control adaptations rather than mechanical modifications.
Proprioceptive plantar stimulation represents an effective strategy to improve dynamic balance in a short time without affecting ankle joint ROM.

References
1. Carini F, Mazzola M, Fici C, Palmeri S, Messina M, Damiani P, et al. Posture and posturology, anatomical and physiological profiles: overview and current state of art. Acta Biomed. 2017;88(1):11-6.