Effect of Limb Dominance on Chronic Ankle Instability: Does It Matter?

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Chronic ankle instability (CAI) affects a significant portion of the population, often impacting athletic and daily activities.
• Limb dominance may influence strength and balance, potentially affecting recovery after ligament stabilization surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate preoperative differences in strength and balance between the dominant foot (DF) and nondominant foot (non-DF) in individuals undergoing ligament stabilization surgery.
• To explore the relationship between muscle strength, balance, and functional outcomes (FAOS) in this patient group.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing ligament stabilization surgery.
• Preoperative assessments included isokinetic dynamometry for muscle strength, the Y-balance test (YBT) for dynamic balance, and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS).
• Statistical analysis compared DF and non-DF groups and examined correlations between strength, balance, and FAOS.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences were observed in evertor/invertor muscle strength or YBT performance between the DF and non-DF.
• A significant correlation was found between evertor peak torque deficits at 30°/s and 120°/s and functional deficits.
• Peroneal muscle strength deficit was associated with functional impairment.

Conclusions:

• Preoperative strength and balance are comparable between dominant and nondominant limbs in nonathletes with CAI.
• Peroneal muscle weakness is linked to functional limitations, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
• Interventions should consider limb dominance and address specific muscle strength deficits in CAI management.