Effect of Different Rest Intervals on Ankle Kinematics during a Dynamic Balance Task

Objective: The relationship between the rest intervals during physical tasks and performance enhancement has been studied. However, whether or not different rest intervals would result in altered multiplanar ankle kinematics during performance of the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) is unknown. Method: Fifteen healthy subjects (7 males and 8 females) without a history of ankle injuries were participated in this study. 3 rest intervals of 10, 20, and 40 seconds were used during the current study. Three visits were required in order to complete the 3 rest intervals. Variables of interest included dorsiflexion (DF) excursion, tibial internal rotation (TIR), and eversion (EV) excursions. The means of ankle angular excursions were compared across the 3 directions in the 3 rest interval groups. Results: There were no significant main effects for any variables between restintervals. However, DF excursion in the anteromedial (AM) direction was greaterthan in both the medial (M) and posteromedial (PM) directions and was greater in the M direction compared to the PM direction. TIR excursion in the AM direction was less than in both the M and PM directions. Conclusion: Different rest intervals ranging from 10 to 40 seconds did not influence ankle angular excursions during the SEBT in a healthy population. However, our results suggest that multiplanar motion is necessary during the SEBT and differs depending on the direction of movement.