Slower nerve conduction velocity in individuals with functional ankle instability

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Functional ankle instability (FAI) is a common condition affecting athletes and the general population.
• FAI can lead to chronic pain, recurrent sprains, and altered lower limb biomechanics.
• The impact of FAI on peripheral nerve function, specifically nerve conduction velocity (NCV), remains underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and quantify differences in nerve conduction velocity (NCV) between individuals with functional ankle instability and a healthy control group.
• To determine if FAI is associated with alterations in peroneal nerve function.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 38 participants (19 with FAI, 19 healthy controls) aged 18-30.
• NCV was measured at two sites: fibular head and 10 cm superior/posterior to it (popliteal fossa).
• A multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was employed, controlling for leg surface temperature, BMI, and age.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in NCV were found between the FAI group and the control group at both fibular (p=0.01) and popliteal (p=0.01) sites.
• Individuals in the control group demonstrated significantly faster NCV compared to those in the FAI group.
• These findings indicate slower nerve conduction in individuals with functional ankle instability.

Conclusions:

• Patients with functional ankle instability may experience peroneal nerve damage, leading to reduced nerve conduction velocity.
• Slower NCV in the peroneal nerve could be a contributing factor to the symptoms and functional deficits associated with FAI.
• Further research is warranted to explore the clinical implications and potential therapeutic targets for peroneal nerve dysfunction in FAI.