Low-load eversion force sense, self-reported ankle instability, and frequency of giving way

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics
• Motor Control

Background:

• Functional ankle instability is often linked to proprioceptive deficits.
• Previous research has not fully explored ankle eversion force sense in relation to instability.
• Ankle instability is better understood as a continuum rather than a binary condition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between ankle eversion force sense and the frequency of ankle giving-way.
• To determine the association between ankle eversion force sense and perceived ankle instability.

Main Methods:

• A cohort design study was conducted in a sports medicine research laboratory.
• Twenty participants with unilateral ankle instability history were assessed.
• Eversion force sense was measured using a force-matching procedure at 10% and 30% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction.

Main Results:

• At 10% maximal voluntary isometric contraction, significant relationships were observed.
• Increased self-reported giving-way episodes correlated positively with absolute error in eversion force sense for both injured and uninjured ankles.
• A higher perceived ankle instability index also correlated with greater absolute error in eversion force sense for the injured ankle.

Conclusions:

• Individuals with ankle instability demonstrate impaired ability to replicate eversion forces.
• Larger errors in eversion force sense are associated with increased episodes of giving-way and heightened perceived ankle instability.