The influence of a balance training program on the electromyographic latency of the ankle musculature in subjects with no history of ankle injury

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Balance training is often employed for the prevention of ankle injuries. However, until now, most of the studies have focused on the prevention of a recurrent injury. The objective of this study was to look into the effects of balance training on the onset of peroneal muscle activity in healthy subjects. METHODS: 34 participants (mean age = 19.5 years +/- 1.5; height = 1.70 m +/- 0.12; weight = 62.06 kg +/- 11.24), physically active, with no history of injuries took part in this study. The participants underwent a 4-week balance training program using an ankle disk. Onset of peroneal muscles activation was measured using surface electromyography and a trap-door. FINDINGS: Parametric and non-parametric tests showed no significant differences between the control group and the experimental group (P > 0.05). INTERPRETATION: The results indicate that the use of balance training, for a 4-week period with two training sessions per week, on physically active subjects with no history of injuries in the ankle joint, does not cause noteworthy changes on the onset of peroneal muscles activity.