J Korean Phys Ther.  2020 Jun;32(3):163-168. 10.18857/jkpt.2020.32.3.163.

Cross-education Effects of Muscle Strength and Balance on Unilateral Isokinetic Exercise in Ankle

• Son SM
• Kang KW

• KMID: 2520057
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.18857/jkpt.2020.32.3.163

Abstract

Purpose
Unilateral strength training effects on contralateral sides have been demonstrated in previous studies for lower extremity exercise, upper extremity exercise, and unilateral surface electrical stimulation. This study was performed to investigate the effects of unilateral ankle training on muscle strength and the balance of contralateral lower extremity in healthy adults.
Methods
Thirty healthy subjects were randomized equally to a training or a control group. Those in the training group received unilateral ankle isokinetic strengthening training of the dominant leg (right side) for 4 weeks. Contralateral single-limb balance, including Anterio-Posterior Stability Index (APSI), Medio-Lateral Stability Index (MLSI) and Overall Stability Index (OSI), was assessed before and after intervention.
Results
Comparison of pre- and post-test data revealed significant improvements in ipsi- and contralateral ankle strengths, and significant improvement in contralateral single limb balance.
Conclusion
These results have practical implications because they demonstrate that unilateral ankle isokinetic exercise improves ankle muscle strength and balance ability of contralateral lower extremity.

Keyword

Unilateral ankle training; Cross education; Balance; Isokinetic exercise; Ankle muscle strength