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Reliability of peroneal reaction time measurements
S Benesch1, W Pütz, D Rosenbaum
1Department of Surgery of the Military Hospital, Ulm, Germany. stefan.benesch@extern.uni-ulm.de
Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol, Avon)
|December 11, 1999
Summary
This study confirms peroneal reaction time measurement is reliable for assessing ankle instability. Findings show consistent results across various conditions, supporting its clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics and Motor Control
- Sports Medicine
- Clinical Assessment
Background:
- Peroneal reaction time measures functional ankle joint instability.
- Previous studies have not established the reliability of this measurement method.
- Reliability is crucial for clinical acceptance of any measurement tool.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the reliability of peroneal reaction time measurements.
- To investigate influencing factors on reaction time measurements.
- To validate peroneal reaction time as a clinical measurement method.
Main Methods:
- Experimental study involving 30 healthy subjects.
- Measurement of peroneal reaction time using surface electromyography (EMG).
- Assessment of reaction time following sudden ankle inversion, considering factors like fatigue and foot position.
Main Results:
- Median latency for peroneus brevis was 66 ms; for peroneus longus, 63 ms.
- Neuromuscular fatigue increased reaction time (P=0.033).
- Plantar flexion (15 degrees) decreased reaction time (P=0.0004 for peroneus brevis, P=0.002 for peroneus longus).
- Reliability analysis showed correlation coefficients (Spearman's rho) of 0.67 for peroneus brevis and 0.00 for peroneus longus across days and circadian measurements.
Conclusions:
- Peroneal reaction time determination is a reliable measurement method.
- The study provides evidence for the reliability and justifies the use of peroneal reaction time as a clinical test, assuming validity.
- This supports its potential application in objectively evaluating functional ankle instability.