Subtalar joint (STJ) range of motion is most critical during the support phase of the gait cycle. The purpose of this study was to determine what differences exist between measures of maximal STJ eversion in open chain and closed chain positions. STJ eversion as a component of STJ pronation was measured in nonweightbearing (NWB) and full weightbearing (WB) positions on 17 subjects who had no significant biomechanical or orthopaedic abnormality. STJ WB eversion was significantly greater than NWB passive ROM. These results indicate that accurate assessment of STJ eversion as a component of pronation requires measurement in a functional WB position as well as in a NWB position. Rehabilitation of persons with lower quarter injuries or disabilities require assessment of ROM in WB positions so that a more accurate and complete evaluation can be done allowing the clinician to make an appropriate diagnosis and treatment.J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1988;9(9):310-314.

The effects were studied of 10 days' exposure to daily repetitive, specific vestibular stimulation on motor performance of children with Down's syndrome and normal children. A quantitative assessment of vestibular function was made in these children including the habituation response of postrotatory nystagmus. Control groups were included. Both the children with Down's syndrome and the normal children who received vestibular therapy demonstrated positive effects when evaluated using a quantitative motor skills assessment test. Control and treatment children showed vestibular habituation, with treatment children evidencing the greater change. This change may reflect the acquisition of an increased level of central nervous system inhibitory control.

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Effects of specific vestibular stimulation and speech therapy on language ability in mentally retarded children were examined. Thirty subjects were assigned to three treatment groups on the basis of the rank order of overall scores on the Porch Index of Communicative Ability in Children (PICAC). Group I received specific vestibular input in addition to specific speech therapy. Group II received specific speech therapy alone. Group III received general speech stimulation. Treatment was given during a 6-week period, Group I receiving semicircular canal stimulation twice a week. Results indicated that all three treatments produce some improvement in general communication skills. Group I showed higher mean percentage gains in all areas of the PICAC, especially verbal, except visual and gestural in which Group II (specific speech) showed highest gains. However, analysis of variance indicated that these differences among groups were not significant. The hypothetical connection between the vestibular stimulation and language ability or acquisition and implications for future research are discussed.