Association of core muscle strength and endurance with chronic ankle instability- A cross-sectional study

PurposeChronic Ankle Instability (CAI) often leads to debilitating, long-term consequences, and deficits in core muscle strength and endurance may contribute to the persistence of CAI. The current study aims to investigate the association between core strength and endurance with CAI.MethodsA total of 128 participants were enrolled, including 64 participants with CAI and 64 participants without instability. Ankle instability was evaluated using the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT). Core strength was assessed using a pressure biofeedback device, and endurance was assessed using the McGill Trunk Endurance Battery. Between group comparisons were conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify key predictors of CAIT, including the interaction effects.ResultsThe CAI group revealed significantly lower endurance in trunk flexors (p = 0.003, r = 0.31) and extensors (p = 0.011, r = 0.26). No significant difference was observed in core strength (p = 0.954). CAIT scores were significantly associated with left lateral flexor endurance (r = 0.28, p = 0.012). The regression model indicated that left lateral flexor endurance showed a trend towards significance (β = 0.074, p = 0.055), suggesting a potential association rather than a definitive predictive role. An interaction effect (p = 0.054) suggested that this relationship may differ by group.ConclusionLateral trunk endurance may play a role in functional ankle stability. These findings suggest that incorporating core endurance training into rehabilitation programs for CAI may be beneficial; however, further research is required to confirm these relationships.