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Repeated ankle sprains and delayed neuromuscular response: acceleration time parameters
Robert E H van Cingel1, Gertjan Kleinrensink, Elian J Uitterlinden
1Sports Medical Center Papendal, Papendallaan 60, 6816 VD Arnhem, The Netherlands. r.vancingel@planet.nl
The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy
|February 24, 2006
Summary
Individuals with chronic ankle instability exhibit delayed dynamic reaction times in the affected ankle, suggesting a link between impaired neuromuscular response and injury. This finding highlights the importance of reaction time in preventing ankle trauma.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Neuromuscular Physiology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Reaction time is critical for joint protection against sudden movements.
- Delayed neuromuscular responses can contribute to ankle inversion injuries and chronic instability.
- Isokinetic dynamometer acceleration time (ACC-TIME) measures dynamic neuromuscular ability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the dynamic reaction time of the affected ankle in individuals with chronic ankle instability to their healthy ankle and to the ankles of a control group.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 11 patients with unilateral chronic ankle instability and 11 healthy controls.
- Isokinetic dynamometer testing of reciprocal inversion/eversion movements at 30 and 120 degrees/second.
- Analysis of variance used to compare ACC-TIME between affected, unaffected, and control ankles.
Main Results:
- Significantly prolonged ACC-TIME for evertor muscles in affected ankles compared to contralateral and control ankles at both speeds.
- Significantly prolonged ACC-TIME for invertor muscles in affected ankles compared to unaffected and control ankles at 120 degrees/second.
Conclusions:
- Prolonged ACC-TIME in affected ankles supports the role of delayed neuromuscular response in chronic ankle instability.
- Findings are consistent with potential fibular nerve involvement following inversion trauma.
- Delayed reaction time is a significant factor in the etiology of chronic ankle instability.