Relationship of Chronic Ankle Instability With Foot Alignment and Dynamic Postural Stability in Adolescent Competitive Athletes

Abstract

Background: Competitive adolescent athletes should be aware of the early signs of chronic ankle instability (CAI) and the connection between the condition and performance. Purpose: To investigate whether CAI is related to foot alignment and morphology as well as dynamic postural stability after a jump landing among adolescent competitive athletes with and without a history of a lateral ankle sprain and CAI. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Between July 2020 and August 2021, adolescent competitive athletes (N = 85; n = 49 boys; n = 36 girls) were classified into 3 groups using Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) scores: healthy athletes (n = 55), coper athletes (n = 19), and athletes with CAI (n = 11). Results of foot alignment assessments involving the leg-heel angle (LHA) and navicular height, intrinsic foot muscle morphology, dynamic postural stability index (DPSI), and other parameters were compared among the 3 groups. The relationship between the CAIT score and the LHA and dynamic postural stability and instability were examined using multiple linear regression. Results: Compared with the healthy group, the CAI group had a significantly greater LHA (8.73°± 3.22° vs 6.09°± 3.26°; P < .05), higher DPSI (0.336 ± 0.046 vs 0.298 ± 0.035), and higher vertical stability index (0.303 ± 0.048 vs 0.264 ± 0.037; P < .05 for all). Multiple regression analysis showed that the LHA (β = −0.228; P = .033) and DPSI (β = −0.240; P = .025) were significantly associated with the CAIT score . Conclusion: Valgus rearfoot alignment and poorer dynamic postural control were associated with CAI among adolescent athletes.

Foot Posture Index Does Not Correlate with Dynamic Foot Assessment Performed via Baropodometric Examination: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Following the lead of similar studies that involved no more than 85 participants [20,21], we recruited a convenience sample of 100 healthy adults from among the students and personnel of the clinic after announcing the study. Those interested in participating voluntarily contacted the outpatient office, where eligibility was confirmed by a physiotherapist who was unaware of our research objectives.…”

CORR Insights®: Differences in Cortical Activation During Dorsiflexion and Plantarflexion in Chronic Ankle Instability: A Task-fMRI Study

“…In addition to measures of brain function via fMRI, these longitudinal studies should assess the passive loaddisplacement response (laxity) [36,37] and stability [22,42] of the hindfoot. We also need to integrate motion analysis data (electromyography, foot and ankle kinematics, and ground reaction forces) measured during functional activities in individuals who have chronic ankle instability with physics-based computational models to determine whether deficits in muscle activation contribute to their perceptions of instability [10,16,17,23]. Moreover, linking accurate measures of hindfoot kinematics [9,31] with PROMs will elucidate how altered motions during functional activities contribute to patient perceptions of their instability and to the resolution of these perceptions after surgery and rehabilitation [43].…”