Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 19, 2026
07:52
Evaluating Postural Control and Lower-extremity Muscle Activation in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability
Published on: September 18, 2020
9.1K
Does a not-so-recent ankle sprain influence interjoint coordination during walking?
Philippe Dedieu1, Rima Chamoun2, Guilhaume Lacaud1
1IRFSS, Croix-Rouge française - 25, rue Sismondi, 87000 Limoges, France.
Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol, Avon)
|November 4, 2017
Summary
Previous ankle sprains alter lower limb coordination and muscle activity during walking. These changes involve modified inter-joint synchronization and muscle activation patterns on the injured side, impacting gait mechanics.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Motor Control
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Ankle sprains are frequent injuries with potential neuromuscular effects.
- Understanding altered movement patterns post-injury is crucial for rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if prior ankle sprains change lower limb inter-joint synergy during walking.
- To determine if ankle injury affects muscle activity patterns in the lower limb.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 3D gait analysis on 24 adults (10 healthy, 14 with prior ankle sprains).
- Assessed inter-joint coordination using Continuous Relative Phase (CRP).
- Recorded muscle activity via electromyography (EMG).
Main Results:
- Injured limbs showed synchronized ankle, knee, and hip movement.
- Healthy limbs in sprained individuals and both limbs in controls exhibited joint time lags.
- Muscles like tibialis anterior, soleus, and peroneus longus displayed earlier and longer activation on the injured side.
Conclusions:
- Ankle sprains modify, rather than create entirely new, inter-joint coordination and muscle activity patterns.
- Subtle kinematic changes detected by CRP offer insights into therapy and preventing re-injury.
