Effects of abdominal stimulation on plantar contact in case of the acquired brain injury

Abstract

Objective: To evaluated the influence of abdominal stimulation in patients with acquired brain injury on plantar pressure distribution. Method: Eight individuals aged 46±15.9 years were evaluated. Analysis of plantar pressure distribution was performed through a baropodometer. The collection was performed before and after abdominal stimulation. The abdominal stimulation was performed with the patient positioned on the divan with support in the region sacral / hip and knees flexed at approximately 90º, and feet, hands and upper trunk without support. The contraction of these muscles was obtained through the loss of balance caused by the decrease of the support base (patients supported only by the sacrum. Thus, isometric contraction was performed for positioning, alternating with isotonic contractions of short duration to recover balance. Results: In plantar pressure distribution, the hindfoot and midfoot regions showed, respectively, higher and lower peak pressures (p<0.05). Also, there was less pressure peak bilaterally, especially in the right foot (p=0.05), and an increase in plantar contact surface in the patients, mainly in the left foot (p=0.03). Conclusion: We conclude that acute stimulation of the abdominal muscles influences the contact surface and the values of peak plantar pressure, even with a heterogeneous sample studied.