Individualized transcranial direct current stimulation combined with foot core exercise improves foot and ankle sensorimotor function and static postural control in individuals with chronic ankle instability.

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of four-week individualized transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with foot core exercise (FCE) on foot and ankle sensorimotor function and postural control in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI).

Methods: Thirty-four CAI individuals were randomly assigned to a tDCS combined with FCE group (tDCS group, n = 17) and a sham stimulation combined with FCE group (control group, n = 17). All participants received individualized stimulation combined with FCE and sham stimulation combined with FCE, respectively, three times a week for 20 min per session over four weeks. Ankle strength, joint position sense, and static and dynamic postural control were assessed at baseline and post-intervention.

Results: Compared with the control group and baseline, individualized tDCS combined with FCE significantly increased the relative peak torque of plantarflexion, reduced the absolute error of ankle eversion position sense, and decreased the average sway velocity of the center of pressure during single-leg standing with eyes closed in CAI individuals (p values ranging from < 0.001 to 0.016).

Conclusion: Four weeks of individualized tDCS combined with FCE can effectively improve foot and ankle sensorimotor function and static postural control in CAI individuals.