Ankle Coordination in Chronic Ankle Instability, Coper, and Control Groups in Running

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Motor Control
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Sensorimotor system function and flexibility are crucial for running.
• Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is linked to altered sensorimotor function.
• Protective adaptations in copers are known, but foot-shank coordination remains unexamined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare joint coupling angles and coordination variability using vector coding.
• To investigate sensorimotor adaptations in individuals with CAI, copers, and controls during running.

Main Methods:

• Seventeen individuals in each group (CAI, copers, controls) ran at 2.68 m/s.
• Kinematic data were collected, and vector coding was applied to five complete strides.
• Calculated means of vector coding angles and variability for ankle/tibia motion.

Main Results:

• Controls showed greater sagittal ankle-shank (SAK/TT) angles than CAI during late stance.
• Controls exhibited greater frontal ankle-shank (FAK/TT) angles than copers.
• Coordination variability was highest in controls, intermediate in copers, and lowest in CAI.

Conclusions:

• CAI and copers display different coordination strategies than controls, suggesting sensorimotor deficits or compensation.
• Reduced variability in CAI during impact and midstance may elevate reinjury risk.
• Further research into limited variability in CAI is warranted.