Proprioception and neuromuscular control after the modified Broström procedure at the timing of a return to sports: A retrospective study

Abstract

Background: The modified Broström procedure (MBP) is an initial treatment in symptomatic chronic ankle instability (CAI) patients. However, there was a deficiency of studies regarding the recovery of proprioception and neuromuscular control at the timing of a return to sports after MBP. This study aimed to compare the proprioception and neuromuscular control of both affected and unaffected ankles at the timing of a return to sports after MBP in CAI patients with those of normal controls. Methods: Totally, 75 patients (40 who underwent MBP vs. 35 normal controls) participated. Proprioception and neuromuscular control were measured by postural stability and time to peak torque, respectively. Postural stability tests included static and dynamic balance and the star excursion balance test (SEBT). Static and dynamic balance were tested using a postural stabilometry system, and time to peak torque was measured using an isokinetic device. Results: The dynamic balance test was significantly higher in the affected ankle of the MBP group than in controls (1.5 ± 0.6 vs. 1.1 ± 0.4, p < 0.003). SEBT was significantly lower in the affected ankle of the MBP group compared to controls (anterior: 70.9±16.4 vs. 80.3±11.7, p < 0.006; posterior: 49.2 ± 10.0 vs. 62.2 ± 19.0, p < 0.000; lateral: 49.9 ± 12.7 vs. 57.3 ± 17.7, p < 0.040). Time to peak torque was significantly increased in the affected ankle of the MBP group compared to controls (dorsiflexion: 608.3 ± 139.4 vs.522.9 ± 175.8, p < 0.022; eversion: 689.1 ± 191.6 vs. 593.1 ± 211.2, p < 0.043). Conclusion: Dynamic balance, SEBT, and time to peak torque in CAI patients remained significantly reduced at the timing of a return to sports after MBP. Keywords : Proprioception; Neuromuscular control; Modified Broström procedure; Postural stability; Star excursion balance test