Abstract
BackgroundIndividuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) exhibit many biomechanical changes to lower limbs during walking. However, only a few studies have investigated the differences in lower limb biomechanics of individuals with CAI compared to healthy controls using a comprehensive approach including kinematic, kinetic and electromyography (EMG) measures. Consequently, the theoretical framework explaining the biomechanical adaptations in individuals with CAI is mostly based on the results of studies including heterogenous methods and participants’ specificities (e.g., level of disability). More studies using a comprehensive approach are needed to better understand the biomechanical adaptations associated with CAI. The objective of this case-control study was to identify the kinematic, kinetic and EMG differences between individuals with CAI and healthy controls during walking.MethodsTwenty-eight individuals with CAI and 26 healthy controls were recruited to walk at a self-selected speed during which lower limb kinematics, kinetics and EMG were analysed. Ankle and knee angles and moments as well as gluteus medius, vastus lateralis, gastrocnemius lateralis, peroneus longus and tibialis anterior muscles activity were compared between the CAI and control groups using one-dimensional statistical parametric mapping.ResultsThe CAI group exhibited greater ankle inversion angles from 14 to 48% of the stance phase (%SP) (p = 0.008), ankle eversion moments from 40 to 78%SP (p < 0.001), knee abduction moments from 3 to 6%SP and peroneus longus muscle activity from 0 to 15%SP (p = 0.003) and 60 to 76%SP (p = 0.003) compared to the control group. No significant between-group differences in ankle sagittal and transverse angles and moments, knee angles, knee sagittal and transverse moments as well as gluteus medius, vastus lateralis, gastrocnemius lateralis and tibialis anterior muscles activity were found.ConclusionsDuring the first half of the stance phase, individuals with CAI could be at more risk of sustaining recurrent LAS mostly due to greater ankle inversion angles. However, the greater ankle eversion moments and peroneus longus muscle activity during the second half of the stance phase were an efficient mechanism to correct this maladaptive gait pattern and allowed to attenuate the faulty ankle movements during the pre-swing phase.
Highlights
Individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) exhibit many biomechanical changes to lower limbs during walking
The used inclusion criteria for the CAI group were based on the recommendations of the International Ankle Consortium [21] except for the confirmation of self-reported ankle instability with a validated questionnaire, as no French versions were available at the time of data collection
No between-group differences were observed for age (p = 0.139), weight (p = 0.234), height (p = 0.704), Foot Posture Index (FPI) (p = 0.131), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) scores (p = 0.209) and walking speed (p = 0.328)
Summary
Individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) exhibit many biomechanical changes to lower limbs during walking. Only a few studies have investigated the differences in lower limb biomechanics of individuals with CAI compared to healthy controls using a comprehensive approach including kinematic, kinetic and electromyography (EMG) measures. The objective of this case-control study was to identify the kinematic, kinetic and EMG differences between individuals with CAI and healthy controls during walking. CAI leads to altered balance control, ankle neuromuscular function, and lower limb biomechanics during locomotion [8,9,10] These deficits place individuals with CAI at greater risk of sustaining recurrent sprains [11], developing post-traumatic ankle osteoarthritis [12] and decreasing their health-related quality of life [13]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
