Ankle sprain rehabilitation… Reducing visual dependence 🎢 Balance is controlled by these systems: Visual 👀 Vestibular 👂🏼 Proprioceptive 🦶🏼 Thread 🧵 inspired by angiejphysio 1/6

When I teach the balance section during my foot and ankle courses, I ask which system is being trained during foam cushion/bosu ball single leg standing. Almost 100% of the time people answer 'proprioception’🦶🏼 2/6

In fact this environmental challenge causes the brain to have to compensate for LOST proprioception (because the foot/ankle has no stable point of reference) & the systems that are trained are the visual & vestibular ones - the opposite of what most people think it does... 3/6

After injuries - particularly sprains - where there is disrupted proprioceptive input from damaged ligaments and joints, patients often become over reliant on their visual system for balance and function (Grooms et al) 4/6

For dancers (who spend their lives in front of mirrors), removing their visual input trom balance activities can make it really challenging for them 🩰 Another way to force the body to focus more on proprioception is to play with the visual field 😎 5/6

talks about using virtual reality on her brilliant course 'Train the Brain, not the Sprain'. So while trying to think of something a bit more accessible for most patients, I came up with this idea of the rollercoaster on YouTube 🎢🤣 It’s hard - try it! 6/6

This is brilliant - so glad you enjoyed the content from the Train the Brain, Not the Sprain course. Can’t wait to share the benefits of @senaptec stroboscopic glasses with you

@angiejphysio This is so great, gives the patient something they can do at home with no equipment too! Love it, thanks! X

@angiejphysio This is great Liz! 🙏🏽

@angiejphysio Love this....

@angiejphysio Love this exercise ! Well done !