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Sensorimotor control is impaired in dancers with functional ankle instability
Claire E Hiller1, Kathryn M Refshauge, David J Beard
1School of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Australia.
The American Journal of Sports Medicine
|February 3, 2004
Summary
Chronically unstable ankles show impaired sensorimotor control, with reduced movement detection and peroneal muscle response after inversion injuries. This affects balance and increases re-injury risk.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Motor Control
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Chronic ankle instability following inversion sprains is common.
- Factors influencing instability during the initial injury mechanism are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare ankle movement control during quiet stance and after inversion perturbation.
- To investigate differences between chronically unstable ankles and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Assessed lateral ankle oscillation during single-leg stance (baseline) in flat and demi-pointe positions.
- Measured time to resume baseline oscillation after a controlled inversion perturbation.
- Utilized 3SPACE Fastrak for precise movement tracking.
Main Results:
- Ankles with chronic instability exhibited smaller baseline oscillations in demi-pointe stance.
- Individuals with unstable ankles had longer recovery times after inversion perturbations.
- Higher failure rates in maintaining stability were observed in the unstable group.
Conclusions:
- Altered sensorimotor control is evident in chronically unstable ankles.
- Deficits may stem from impaired movement detection, peroneal muscle response, or both.
- Findings highlight the need for targeted rehabilitation strategies.