Differences in clinician-oriented outcomes among controls, copers, and chronic ankle instability groups

Abstract

Objective: To compare clinician-oriented outcome measures among uninjured controls, copers, and chronic ankle instability (CAI) groups.

Design: Case-control study.

Setting: Research Laboratory.

Participants: Participants were 25 active adults with unilateral CAI ([mean ± SD] age: 23.7 ± 4.9 years), 21 copers ([mean ± SD] age: 23.2 ± 4.7 years), and 20 uninjured controls ([mean ± SD] age: 21.1 ± 2.5 years).

Main outcome measures: Range of motion and posterior talar glide were assessed via a weight-bearing lunge and a talar glide test, respectively. Cutaneous sensation was measured during a Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament test. Dynamic balance was measured during the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Muscular strength was assessed during manual muscle tests of the dorsiflexors, plantar flexors, invertors, and evertors.

Results: The CAI group had decreased dorsiflexion range of motion relative to controls (p = 0.02). Those with CAI also had decreased balance during the posterior-medial reach of the SEBT compared to copers and controls (p < 0.01). Both copers and the CAI group had decreased normalized dorsiflexion strength compared to controls (p < 0.01) but only the CAI group had normalized plantar flexion strength deficits relative to controls (p = 0.04).

Conclusions: Some clinician-oriented outcomes, but not all, can detect differences among uninjured controls, copers, and those with CAI.

Keywords: Balance; Copers; Mechanical adaptations; Sensorimotor dysfunction.