Effects of chronic ankle instability on cutaneous reflex modulation during walking

Perceived ankle instability and cutaneous reflex modulation during gait

“…Madsen et al. (2019) also reported a large TA facilitation during phase 5 among both CAI and control groups which resulted in significant net dorsiflexion. The PL facilitation observed at toe‐off in our present sample would act to evert and push away from an obstacle as the limb begins the transition to swing and has been reported among both healthy and CAI subjects of previous studies (Madsen et al., 2019, 2020).…”

“…While previous literature exploring cutaneous reflexes has focused on average reflex amplitudes, the results of our analyses indicate reflex variability may be a more accurate indicator of sensorimotor maladaptation following ankle injury. During phase 3 (midstance) previous studies reported inhibition of the LG as a protective unloading response in healthy individuals, but no significant reflex was identified in those with CAI (Madsen et al., 2019, 2020). Considering the multifaceted nature of CAI, we may suggest that not all subjects with this condition will exhibit altered reflex patterns.…”

Estimating Exercise-Induced Changes in Human Neuronal Networks

“…Comparing the cutaneous reflexes of normal individuals with that of patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI) during walking, Madsen et al (17) showed that people with CAI lack a protective unloading reflex response in the triceps surae muscles after cutaneous stimulation during the early stance phase of the gait cycle. They suggested that evaluating cutaneous reflex modulations may help identify neural alterations in the reflex pathways contributing to functional deficits in those with CAI (17).…”

“…Comparing the cutaneous reflexes of normal individuals with that of patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI) during walking, Madsen et al (17) showed that people with CAI lack a protective unloading reflex response in the triceps surae muscles after cutaneous stimulation during the early stance phase of the gait cycle. They suggested that evaluating cutaneous reflex modulations may help identify neural alterations in the reflex pathways contributing to functional deficits in those with CAI (17). Sasada et al (18) have examined cutaneous reflexes in various arm muscles during leg pedaling and found that the reflex was significantly increased in the flexor carpi radialis and posterior deltoid and significantly decreased in biceps brachii muscles.…”

“…Using the same data set, a PSF analysis indicated that pain fiber stimulation activates only a single long-lasting inhibitory network (60,61). Previous studies using classical methods have indicated the importance of cutaneous reflexes in exercise training (17,18). However, in the light of the PSF findings, such experiments will have to be repeated to establish the normal ranges of the cutaneous reflexes and whether they can be used in exercise-related studies.…”