Eccentric plantar-flexor torque deficits in participants with functional ankle instability

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Medicine
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Inversion ankle sprains can lead to chronic functional ankle instability (FAI).
• Limited research exists on isokinetic measures for ankle plantar flexors and dorsiflexors in FAI.
• FAI affects athletic performance and quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare isokinetic eccentric torque of ankle muscles between individuals with and without FAI.
• To assess torque during inversion, eversion, plantar flexion, and dorsiflexion movements.
• To identify potential strength deficits associated with FAI.

Main Methods:

• Case-control study design.
• Involved 20 participants with FAI and 20 healthy controls.
• Isokinetic eccentric torque was measured for ankle movements.

Main Results:

• Significant difference in eccentric plantar flexion torque between FAI and control groups.
• No significant differences found for eccentric inversion, eversion, or dorsiflexion torque.
• Plantar flexion torque deficit identified in the FAI limb.

Conclusions:

• Eccentric plantar flexion strength may be a key factor in functional ankle instability.
• Deficits in plantar flexion torque are associated with FAI.
• Targeted strengthening of plantar flexors could be beneficial for FAI management.