Evidence-Based Practice – Issue 8-2015
Dynamic Balance Deficits 6 Months Following First-Time Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain: A Laboratory Analysis
Article. Doherty C, et al. Dynamic Balance Deficits 6 Months Following First-Time Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain: A Laboratory analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy 2015; 45(8): 626-633.
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to compare kinematic and stabilometric measures during the star excursion balance test among patients 6 months after sustaining a first-time acute lateral ankle sprain versus healthy controls.
Study Design. Descriptive laboratory study.
Methods
- Subjects
- 69 participants 6 months following an acute lateral ankle sprain
- 20 healthy non-injured controls
- No statistical difference in age, height, or weight of the two groups
- Data Collection
- Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool
- Foot and Ankle Ability Measure
- Range of Motion
- Dorsiflexion (knee to wall test- angle of tibia at maximum closed chain dorsiflexion)
- Star Excursion Balance Test Reach Distances
- Anterior
- Posterolateral
- Posteromedial
- Kinematics
- Sagittal Plane hip, knee, and ankle position during Start Excursion Balance Test
- Kinetics
- Center of Pressure with platform stabilometry during Star Excursion Balance Test
Results
- No difference in ankle dorsiflexion between groups
- Participants with previous ankle sprain have lower scores on all 3 reach distances
- The lateral ankle sprain group exhibited less knee and hip flexion during all three reach directions.
- The lateral ankle sprain group exhibited lower fractal dimension of the center of pressure
Clinical Relevance
- The fractal dimension of the center of gravity suggests that patients following lateral ankle sprains are less effective in establishing base of support for all reach directions.
- Participants 6 months after an acute lateral sprain demonstrate dynamic balance deficits on their injured and uninjured limbs on the star excursion balance test.
- Clinicians should implement treatment programs to improve and normalize balance deficits following an ankle sprain.
- Balance impairments may contribute to chronicity of ankle instability.