Multi-segment foot landing kinematics in subjects with chronic ankle instability

Abstract

Background: Chronic ankle instability has been associated with altered joint kinematics at the ankle, knee and hip. However, no studies have investigated possible kinematic deviations at more distal segments of the foot. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if subjects with ankle instability and copers show altered foot and ankle kinematics and altered kinetics during a landing task when compared to controls. Methods: 96 subjects (38 subjects with chronic ankle instability, 28 copers and 30 controls) performed a vertical drop and side jump task. Foot kinematics were obtained using the Ghent Foot Model and a single segment foot model. Group differences were evaluated using Statistical Parametric Mapping and analysis of variance. Results: Subjects with ankle instability had a more inverted midfoot position in relation to the rearfoot when compared to controls during the side jump. They also had a greater midfoot inversion/eversion range of motion than copers during the vertical drop. Copers exhibited less plantar flexion/dorsiflexion range of motion in the lateral and medial forefoot. Furthermore, the ankle instability and coper group exhibited less ankle plantar flexion at touch down. Additionally, the ankle instability group demonstrated a decreased plantar flexion/dorsiflexion range of motion at the ankle compared to the control group. Analysis of ground reaction forces showed a higher vertical peak and loading rate during the vertical drop in subjects with ankle instability. Interpretation: Subjects with chronic ankle instability displayed an altered, stiffer kinematic landing strategy and related alterations in landing kinetics, which might predispose them for episodes of giving way and actual ankle sprains.

Analysis of Kinematics and Kinetics According to Skill Level and Sex in Double-under Jump Rope Technique

“…Reduced ankle range of motion increases loading rate for landing, thereby heightening the risk of injury (De Ridder et al, 2015). In this study, there were no significant differences in peak VGRF and loading rate for P1 (landing phase); however, the loading rate tended to be higher in the skilled group compared with the unskilled group and in male students compared with female students.…”

Prolonged Rest, Long-Term Dynamic Balance, and Gait in a Mouse Ankle-Sprain Model

“…Intervention(s): At 7 weeks of age, 18 male mice (CBA/J) had their right anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments transected. Mice were then randomized to 1 of 3 groups representing when access to a running wheel postsurgery was gained: at 3 days, 1 week, and 2 weeks.Main Outcome Measure(s): Dynamic balance and spatial gait characteristics were quantified before surgery (baseline) and at 3 days and 1, 2,4,6,12,18,24,30, 36, 42, 48, and 54 weeks postinjury.Results: Relative to prolonged rest, resting for only 3 days resulted in worse dynamic balance during the later assessment points (42-54 weeks postinjury, P , .01). Mice that underwent a prolonged rest period of 2 weeks crossed the balance beam faster than the group that rested for only 3 days when averaged across all time points (P , .012).…”

“…Main Outcome Measure(s): Dynamic balance and spatial gait characteristics were quantified before surgery (baseline) and at 3 days and 1, 2,4,6,12,18,24,30, 36, 42, 48, and 54 weeks postinjury.…”

“…10 Although the lack of treatment likely plays a role in the development of CAI, 11 the lack of effective interventions for LAS is also a major concern. A position statement on the conservative care of LAS in athletes 12 noted that only 3 of 12 treatment options reviewed had consistent patientoriented evidence to support their use in improving shortterm LAS outcomes. For example, functional rehabilitation relative to immobilization was more effective in managing mild to moderate LAS.…”

Altered Vertical Ground Reaction Forces in Participants With Chronic Ankle Instability While Running

“…8 These alterations may place the ankle joint in a position that is more susceptible to repetitive ankle sprains. 9 However, in this population, little is known regarding vertical ground reaction forces (vGRFs), a common measurement of forces and loading rates of the lower extremity.…”