The effect of immediate neuromuscular training on ankle biomechanics in individuals with functional ankle instability

Abstract

Functional ankle instability arises from recurrent ankle sprains. Neuromuscular training is employed to enhance ankle stability in individuals who experience functional ankle instability. The study involved 24 male university students with functional ankle instability, undergoing ankle neuromuscular training on three surfaces. The OpenSim musculoskeletal model assessed effects on ankle kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activity. Using one-way repeated measures ANOVA and one-dimensional statistical non-parametric mapping to distinguish differences among training surfaces. The study aimed to compare biomechanical characteristics of ankle motion in individuals with functional ankle instability undergoing immediate neuromuscular training on a foam cushion surface versus training on level-ground and artificial turf. Results showed foam cushion training significantly increased tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius medial activation during walking (p < 0.05), with no differences observed in peak ankle plantarflexion, peroneus longus, and gastrocnemius lateral. Foam cushion training further increased activation in four muscles and peak ankle plantarflexion moment during jogging and fast running (p < 0.05). Furthermore, foam cushion training reduced subtalar mobility (p < 0.05) and showed greater dorsiflexion angles during jogging and fast running (p < 0.05). Therefore, immediate ankle neuromuscular training on a foam cushion is more advantageous in enhancing ankle stability among individuals with functional ankle instability, positively impacting functional ankle instability improvement.