ANKLE JOINT CO-CONTRACTION IN INDIVIDUALS WITH HEALTHY AND SUPINATED FEET DURING WALKING ON ARTIFICIAL TURF AND STABLE GROUND

Different surfaces have different effects on body mechanics during walking. The aim of this study was to evaluate ankle joint co-contraction in individuals with healthy and supinated feet during walking on artificial turf and stable ground.

This study was a semi-experimental and laboratory one. The statistical population included 10 individuals with supinated feet (mean age of 22.1± 2.2 years) and 10 individuals with healthy feet (mean age of 24.2± 3.3 years). The electrical activity of selected lower limb muscles was recorded using electromyography system during walking. Two ways ANOVA with repeated measure test was used for statistical analysis using SPSS 20 software at significant level of 0.05.

Results showed that the main effect of surface (P=0.035) and group (P=0.000) on general ankle co-contraction was significant during loading phase. General ankle co-contraction during loading phase while walking on artificial turf was greater than walking on the ground. Differences between other directional and general co-contraction components in other phases during walking on artificial turf and stable ground were not significant (P<0.05).

General co-contraction values of muscles during walking on artificial turf were greater than walking on the stable ground. Increased general co-contraction may be associated with instability of the surface. Nevertheless, to prove this as well as possible, it is necessary to conduct more research in the future with larger statistical populations.