Alterations in Gait Initiation are Present in those with Post-Traumatic Ankle Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Study

Authors: Erik A Wikstrom^1,2 and Robert B. Anderson³

Affiliations: ¹Biodynamics Research Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC. ²Center for Biomedical Engineering & Science, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC. ³OrthoCarolina Foot & Ankle Institute, Charlotte, NC.

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if stereotypical patterns of gait initiation are altered in those with post-traumatic ankle osteoarthritis. Ten subjects: five with unilateral ankle osteoarthritis and five uninjured controls participated. Subjects completed the SF-36 and Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale to quantify self-reported disability as well as 10 dual-limb static stance trials and 10 GI trials with each leg. Center of pressure outcomes were calculated for static balance trials while the peak center of pressure excursions were calculated for each phase of gait initiation. The results indicate greater self-reported disability (P < .05) and worse static postural control (P < .05) in the ankle osteoarthritis group. Non-stereotypical patterns were also observed during the first and third phase of gait initiation in those with ankle osteoarthritis. The results of this pilot study suggest that supraspinal motor control mechanisms may have changed in those with post-traumatic ankle osteoarthritis.

Key Words: disability, center of pressure, sensorimotor dysfunction