Effect of Long-Term Training on Sand on Co-Contraction of Ankle Joint in Individuals with Pronated Feet

Introduction: Foot pronation can lead to different lower limb injuries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of long-term training on sand on ankle joint co-contraction in individuals with pronated feet during walking. Methods: The present study was a randomised controlled clinical trial type. Statistical samples of the present study included 15 males with excessive pronated feet in the control group and 15 males with excessive pronated feet in the experimental group which was selected with available sampling. During both pre and post-test, muscle activities were recorded by an 8-channel electromyography system during walking. The eight weeks training on sand (3 sessions per week) was only done in the experimental group. Two-way ANOVA with repeated measure test was used for statistical analysis at the significant level of P<0.05. Results: The results demonstrated greater ankle directed co-contraction during post-test compared with the pre-test in the experimental group (p=0.034). Other components of ankle co-contraction did not demonstrate any significant differences during post-test compared with pre-test (P>0.05). Conclusion: It seems that an increase in directed ankle joint contraction due to sand training may be associated with improvement in ankle joint stability. Further study is warranted.