Chronic Ankle Instability-Related Outcomes Associate With Ankle-Joint Loading During Walking

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Chronic ankle instability (CAI) involves recurrent trauma and altered biomechanics, leading to abnormal joint loading.
• Previous research indicates that individuals with CAI exhibit different joint contact force (JCF) profiles during walking and landing compared to healthy individuals.
• A knowledge gap exists regarding the relationship between ankle JCF and clinical outcomes in CAI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the interrelationships between ankle JCF, structural measures, postural control, and walking biomechanics in individuals with CAI.
• To determine if CAI-related variables can predict ankle JCF.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study conducted in a research laboratory setting.
• Involved 21 participants with CAI (mean age 23 ± 4 years).
• Measured triaxial peaks, impulses, and loading rates of ankle JCF, alongside rearfoot alignment, Star Excursion Balance Test, weight-bearing lunge test, and walking biomechanics (angles and moments).

Main Results:

• Less compressive JCF was associated with more rearfoot varus alignment and greater peak inversion moments during walking.
• Greater posterior JCF correlated with increased peak eversion and dorsiflexion moments, and less rearfoot varus.
• Increased lateral JCF was linked to greater dorsiflexion moments and less rearfoot varus alignment during walking.

Conclusions:

• The study identified potential associations between gait biomechanics, structural alignment, and postural control with ankle JCF in individuals with CAI.
• Further research is warranted to explore whether interventions targeting these factors can modify ankle joint mechanical loading during walking.