Changing a Reflex Motor Pattern Using the Allyane Technique: Case Report of a Dancer's Chronic Ankle Instability

The treatment of chronic ankle instability (CAI) is quite long and problematic. In dance, about 53% of dancers have CAI. CAI is a major cause of musculoskeletal disorders such as sprains, posterior ankle impingement, and shin splints. Moreover, CAI leads to a loss of confidence and becomes a key factor for reducing or stopping dance. This case report assesses the effectiveness of the Allyane technique on CAI. Furthermore, it provides a better understanding of this pathology. The Allyane process is a neuromuscular reprogramming method based on the scientific background of neuroscience. Its aim is to strongly activate the afferent pathways of the reticular formation, responsible for voluntary motor learning. It uses mental skill imagery, afferent kinaesthetic sensations, and specific sequences of low-frequency sounds coming from a patented medical device.

A. Is a 15-year-old female dancer who practices ballet 8 h per week. She has suffered from CAI for 3 years, with repeated sprains as well as a loss in confidence, with a direct implication on her career. Despite physiotherapy rehabilitation, her CAI tests were still deficient and she still felt strongly apprehensive while dancing.

After 2 h of the Allyane technique, we notice a 195% gain of strength of the peroneus, 266% for the posterior tibialis, and 141% for the anterior tibialis muscles. Side hop test and the functional test (Cumberland Ankle Instability tool) normalized. 6 week later, the control assessment confirms this screening and gibes an idea of the durability of the technic. This neuroreprogramming method could not only open the door to interesting perspectives in the treatment of CAI, but it can also help in the understanding of this pathology in case of central muscle inhibitions.