Current perception threshold testing in chronic ankle instability

Xi Zhang,Ran Zhang,Weiqun Song,Yaping Chen

doi:10.1186/s12891-021-04345-y

Abstract

BackgroundDamage to sensory input is an underlying pathology of chronic ankle instability (CAI). Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the sensory function of patients with CAI. The present study quantitatively evaluated sensory nerve function in patients with CAI and healthy controls using current perception threshold (CPT) measurements, as well as the influence of sex, age, and body mass index (BMI) on CPT values and the relations between CPT frequencies.MethodsFifty-nine subjects with CAI and 30 healthy controls participated in this study. CPT values at the anterior talofibular ligament region were recorded on the injured and uninjured sides in CAI patients and on both sides in the healthy control group. Between group differences were compared. The influence of sex, age and BMI on CPT values was evaluated. Correlations between different frequencies were also studied.ResultsThere were no significant differences in age, sex, height, weight or BMI between the CAI and healthy control groups. The CPT values did not show a significant difference by sex. The CPT values did not significantly correlate with age or BMI. Compared to the control group, the CAI group had significantly higher CPT values on the injured and uninjured sides under 250-Hz and 5-Hz electrical stimuli; the difference between the groups was significant (p < 0.01), and the effect size were large. No significant difference was observed under 2000-Hz stimuli. There were correlations between CPT values at different frequencies (p < 0.01), especially 250 Hz and 5 Hz.ConclusionThe present study revealed increased sensory thresholds in 250-Hz- and 5-Hz-related sensory nerve fibres in the injured and uninjured ankles of patients with CAI. This increase may indicate dysfunction of A-delta and C fibres. Sex, age and BMI did not significantly impact CPT values. There were correlations between CPT values at different frequencies, especially 250 Hz and 5 Hz.Level of evidenceLevel III, case-control study.

Highlights

Damage to sensory input is an underlying pathology of chronic ankle instability (CAI)
Demographic data No significant between-group differences were present for age, sex, height, weight or body mass index (BMI) (Table 1)
Significant betweengroup differences existed for current perception threshold (CPT) values at 250 Hz and 5 Hz

Summary

Introduction

Damage to sensory input is an underlying pathology of chronic ankle instability (CAI). It is necessary to evaluate the sensory function of patients with CAI. The present study quantitatively evaluated sensory nerve function in patients with CAI and healthy controls using current perception threshold (CPT) measurements, as well as the influence of sex, age, and body mass index (BMI) on CPT values and the relations between CPT frequencies. An increase in errors in ankle joint repositioning was reported [5]. Cho et al [6] used an isokinetic test and showed decreased joint position sensation in CAI participants. A systematic review reported that proprioception of the injured ankle in patients with CAI was impaired compared with that of the uninjured contralateral limb and in healthy people [7]. Navarro-Santana et al [8] used an electronic algometer to measure the pressure pain threshold in CAI amateur male soccer players and found higher pressure pain sensitivity

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion