Chronic ankle instability (CAI) characterization with analysis of various balance tasks
Résumé
Background.– Chronic ankle instability (CAI), characterized by recurrent episodes of lateral instability [3], is a complication of lateral ankle sprain which is the most common injury in sport activities [1]. Static balance can be evaluated in bipodal and unipodal conditions, and dynamic balance with Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) [2].
Objective.– The aim of this study is to note if static and/or dynamic balance can characterize CAI.
Methods.– Sixteen healthy subjects (CTRL) and 20 subjects with CAI (CAI) realize unipodal and bipodal balance tests, with eyes opened (EO) and closed (EC).
Results.–In static conditions, no difference between CAI and CTRL is shown. During bipodal balance tests, significant increases (P < 0.05) are observed for centre of pressure displacement and velocity for CAI between EO and EC conditions. Reached distances at SEBT are significantly shorter (P < 0.05) for CAI people.
Discussion.– Characterization by static balance seems difficult, contrary to what has previously been found by other authors [4]. Differences between EO and EC conditions in bipodal balance tests suggest proprioceptive alteration [3]. Dynamic balance seems to be relevant to characterize CAI through SEBT [4].