Bilateral Improvements in Lower Extremity Function After Unilateral Balance Training in Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability

Abstract

Our data suggest training the stable ankle may result in improvements in balance and lower extremity function in the unstable ankle. This further supports the existence of a centrally mediated mechanism in the development of postural-control deficits after injury, as well as improved postural control after rehabilitation.

Coordination and symmetry patterns during the drop vertical jump, 6‐months after first‐time lateral ankle sprain

“…Bilateral deficits have previously been shown to manifest following LAS injury during a static postural control task . Furthermore, evidence of centrally mediated changes of postural control in CAI populations has been demonstrated in separate studies by Evans et al and Hale et al, suggesting that this acute trauma may lead to impairment of spinal‐level and/or supraspinal motor control pathways …”

“…Bilateral deficits have previously been shown to manifest following LAS injury during a static postural control task. 38 Furthermore, evidence of centrally mediated changes of postural control in CAI populations has been demonstrated in separate studies by Evans et al 38 and Hale et al, 39 suggesting that this acute trauma may lead to impairment of spinal-level and/or supraspinal motor control pathways. 40 Due to the tendency for many studies in the CAI literature to evaluate the involved limb in isolation during dynamic movements 2,30,31,36,37 , the results of the current study supplement the current dearth of evidence examining whether patients with a history of LAS exhibit bilateral deficits in postural control and dynamic balance.…”

Therapeutic interventions for improving self-reported function in patients with chronic ankle instability: a systematic review

“…Following careful review, 20 articles met the inclusion criteria. Three of 20 articles were excluded from the current review because of insufficient information for data analysis 44 45 65. A total of 17 articles were included into the final analysis.…”

“…Identified mechanical insufficiencies include arthrokinematic restrictions,20 21 ligamentous laxity22–24 and joint degeneration,25 whereas sensorimotor deficiencies such as diminished static26–28 and dynamic postural control,29–31 loss of strength32 33 and altered spinal reflex excitability34–36 have also been found in patients with CAI. This has led to the development of several therapeutic interventions such as balance training,37–39 resistive training,40 41 joint mobilisation42 43 and multimodal rehabilitations44 45 programmes that have all led to the improvements in the mechanical and sensorimotor insufficiencies previously mentioned.…”

Dynamic Balance Deficits 6 Months Following First-Time Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain: A Laboratory Analysis

“…24 However, the current LAS cohort with a 6-month history of firsttime LAS actually exhibited impaired capacity to fulfill the same kinematic requirements in all 3 of the specified reach directions. Another laboratory analysis 23 clinicians may consider the value of implementing balance training in the acute phase of injury on the uninvolved limb and progressing on the involved limb as the patient is able.…”