Ankle proprioception and functional performance in patients with Achilles tendinopathy

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Orthopedics
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is a common condition affecting athletes and active individuals.
• Proprioception and lower extremity function are crucial for athletic performance and injury prevention.
• The impact of AT on these specific functional parameters requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare ankle proprioception and lower extremity functional performance between individuals with and without Achilles tendinopathy.
• To evaluate the diagnostic ability of various functional tests in identifying Achilles tendinopathy.

Main Methods:

• 17 patients with midportion AT and 17 healthy controls participated.
• Standardized tests including the Ankle Movement Extent Discrimination Assessment (AMEDA), hop tests, Y Balance Test (YBT), and Lower Extremity Functional Test (LEFT) were administered.
• Statistical analyses, including group comparisons and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, were performed.

Main Results:

• The AT group exhibited significantly poorer performance in ankle proprioception (AMEDA), single leg hop, figure-of-eight hop, and LEFT compared to controls.
• No significant differences were observed in the Weight-Bearing Lunge Test (WBLT) and Y Balance Test (YBT) between groups.
• AMEDA, single leg hop, figure-of-eight hop, and LEFT demonstrated significant ability to differentiate between AT patients and healthy individuals.

Conclusions:

• Achilles tendinopathy is associated with deficits in ankle proprioception and functional performance, especially in tasks requiring explosive power.
• These findings indicate impaired dynamic neuromuscular control and an elevated risk for lower limb injuries in individuals with AT.
• The assessed proprioception and functional tests are valuable tools for evaluating AT and should be incorporated into clinical assessments.