Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 16, 2026
Evaluating Postural Control and Lower-extremity Muscle Activation in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability
Published on: September 18, 2020
Simplified Tai Chi exercises to improve function in people with chronic ankle instability
Qian Qian1, Hengshuo Zhang2, Zongchen Hou1
1National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK.
Objectives:
To identify 12 forms from the traditional 108-form Tai Chi with the highest muscle activation values in the peroneus longus, peroneus brevis, and tibialis anterior and to design a Tai Chi training routine suitable for individuals with chronic ankle instability.
Design:
Cross-sectional study.
Setting:
Sports Biomechanics Laboratory.
Participants:
Eight Tai Chi instructors were recruited, with data from six used for analysis.
Main Outcome Measures:
The independent variable was the Tai Chi forms, while the dependent variable was the muscle activation measured using electromyography. The Vicon motion capture system recorded kinematic changes for form segmentation. Electromyography values from different segments were normalised to the maximum voluntary isometric contraction ratio for comparison.
Results:
In the 12 Tai Chi forms, peroneus longus, peroneus brevis, and tibialis anterior exhibited muscle activation exceeding 55 %, 55 %, and 30 % of maximum voluntary isometric contraction in integrated electromyography, respectively, with root mean square reaching 116.9 %, 111.7 %, and 60.3 %. Adding transition stages expanded these into a 16-form routine, with no significant side differences.
Conclusions:
The 16-form Tai Chi has the potential to enhance ankle stability by selectively training the muscles that counter ankle inversion. Randomised controlled trials are needed to assess its effectiveness in chronic ankle instability.
