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Updated: Jul 11, 2025
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Evaluating Postural Control and Lower-extremity Muscle Activation in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability
Published on: September 18, 2020
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EMG Analysis During Static Balance in Chronic Ankle Instability, Coper and Controls
Seunguk Han1, Minsub Oh1, Hyunwook Lee1
1Exercise Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, United States.
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|November 16, 2023
Summary
Patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI) show altered muscle activity and balance control. Copers may use compensatory strategies, highlighting sensorimotor differences in ankle function.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Motor Control
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is linked to sensorimotor dysfunction and impaired postural control.
- Understanding muscle activity patterns is crucial for managing CAI and identifying compensatory strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare lower extremity muscle activity and postural control in individuals with CAI, copers, and healthy controls during static balance.
- To investigate the influence of visual conditions on muscle activation and balance performance.
Main Methods:
- 57 physically active participants were divided into CAI, copers, and control groups.
- A single-leg balance test was performed under eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions.
- Electromyography recorded muscle activity, and center of pressure (CoP) variables assessed postural control.
Main Results:
- CAI patients exhibited greater medial gastrocnemius and gluteus maximus activity compared to controls and copers.
- Copers showed increased gluteus medius activity versus controls.
- All groups increased muscle activity and CoP measures with eyes closed, indicating reliance on visual feedback.
Conclusions:
- CAI patients may have less efficient motor unit recruitment for static balance.
- Increased gluteus medius activity in copers might be a compensatory mechanism to prevent re-injury.
- Further research into dynamic postural control is needed to fully understand sensorimotor alterations in CAI.
