Quantifying Brain White Matter Microstructure of People with Lateral Ankle Sprain

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to quantify differences in white matter microstructure and static postural control in individuals with and without a previous history of a lateral ankle sprain. Methods Ten participants with a history of a lateral ankle sprain and 10 controls performed three 20-s trials of single-leg static balance on a force platform under an eyes-open condition. Resultant sample entropy (SampEn) was used to assess static postural control performance. To assess white matter microstructure, fractional anisotropy (FA) of the superior cerebellar peduncles and corticospinal tracts was quantified using diffusion tensor imaging. In the case of statistically significant differences in FA, component diffusivities were evaluated, including mean diffusivity, radial diffusivity (RD), and axial diffusivity. Results Significant differences between participants with and without a history of lateral ankle sprains were observed in superior cerebellar peduncle FA and RD. Participants with a history of lateral ankle sprains had significantly lower FA in the superior cerebellar peduncle compared with controls. Participants with a history of lateral ankle sprains also demonstrated higher RD values in the superior peduncle compared with control. Finally, participants with a history of lateral ankle sprains had lower resultant SampEn values compared with controls. Conclusion Findings suggest that microstructural changes in white matter tracts governing postural control may be the biomarkers of central nervous system dysfunction in individuals with a lateral ankle sprain history.

Changes in Spinal and Corticospinal Excitability in Patients with Chronic Ankle Instability: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

“…Collectively, these TMS studies suggest that supra-spinal adaptions may very well occur in patients with CAI and probably contribute to their sensorimotor impairments [33,34,35,36]. Supporting this, a recent magnetic resonance imaging study [89] assessed the white matter microstructure of the superior cerebellar peduncle by means of diffusion tensor imaging in patients with CAI and found lower white matter microstructure in CAI patients. At the same time, the CAI patients demonstrated worse postural control than healthy subjects.…”

Ankle Stability and Movement Coordination Impairments: Lateral Ankle Ligament Sprains Revision 2021

“…138 Research has also found impaired central mediated processes, including spinal-level sensorimotor control/reflex inhibition 36,64,121,145,171,226,227,292,308,338,403,406,407,423,433 and supraspinal corticomotor abnormalities. 171,308,330,332,375,377,424,426,428,458 These impaired sensorimotor and central mediated processes may be evident in both the injured and uninjured limbs and impact the movement system, as seen with static and dynamic balance, walking, stepping, running, jumping, cutting, and kicking. 88,105,108,264,396,403-407…”

Sensorimotor Connectivity is related to Static Postural Control in Older Adults with History of Lateral Ankle Sprain

“…White matter microstructure, or anatomical connectivity, contributes to FC and is related to static postural control. 44,45 Finally, we recognize our relatively healthy sample prevents us from generalizing ndings to all older adults with history of LAS.…”

“…A trial was discarded if: 1) the non-testing limb made contact on the force platform or the stance limb; 2) participants hopped or took a step with the stance limb; 3) participant lifted their forefoot or heel from the force plate; and/or 4) they removed their hands from their hips. 44…”

“…state fMRI data collection, single limb static postural control was assessed on a force platform utilizing the methodology outlined by Terada et al44 Participants performed three eyes-open trials of a 20-second single-limb balance task on a level surface on both the injured and non-injured limbs. Order of limb testing was randomized.…”