Gait Biomechanics and Balance Associate with Talar and Subtalar T1ρ Relaxation Times in Those with Chronic Ankle Instability

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to determine associations between T1ρ relaxation times of talar and subtalar articular cartilage and commonly altered gait biomechanics and postural control outcomes in those with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Methods: Fifteen individuals with CAI (21.13 ± 1.81 yr) completed a T1ρ magnetic resonance imaging as well as a postural control and an overground gait assessment. Talocrural and subtalar cartilage was segmented manually to calculate T1ρ relaxation times. Greater T1ρ relaxation times were interpreted as decreased proteoglycan content. Pearson product-moment bivariate correlations examined the relationships between T1ρ relaxation times and the gait biomechanics and postural control outcomes. Results: Across multiple variables, worse postural control demonstrated moderate to strong associations (range, 0.433-0.642 and −0.713) with greater talar T1ρ relaxation times. At the subtalar joint, greater T1ρ relaxation times were associated with lower peak vertical ground reaction forces, lower average vertical ground reaction force loading rates, and lower peak loading rates (range, −0.438 to −0.622). At the talar dome, greater talar T1ρ relaxation times were associated with increased knee extensor moments (r = 0.457), as well as greater knee flexion (r = 0.482) and knee adduction (r = 0.407) at initial contact. Larger step spatiotemporal gait parameters also associated with greater talar and subtalar T1ρ relaxation times (range, 0.434-0.697). Conclusions: In individuals with CAI, worse postural control and altered kinematic, kinetic, and spatiotemporal outcomes demonstrate moderate to strong associations with greater talar T1ρ and/or subtalar relaxation times (i.e., less proteoglycan content). Associations between modifiable neuromechanical variables and greater T1ρ relaxation times may represent potential therapeutic interventions to mitigate ankle joint degeneration in those with CAI.