Hip Flexibility and Dynamic Balance Ability in Soccer Players with Functional Ankle Instability

The prevention of recurrent ankle sprain and functional ankle instability in soccer players is essential. This study clarified hip joint mobility and dynamic balance ability in soccer players with functional ankle instability. This case–control study included 17 male college soccer players. All participants were assessed using the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool and were divided into chronic ankle instability (CAI) and non-CAI groups for each of their dominant and nondominant legs. Bilateral passive hip range of motion (ROM) was assessed and the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT) was measured for each leg. In the dominant leg, the reach in the posterolateral direction in the CAI group was significantly less than that in the non-CAI group. Hip internal rotation angles in the dominant leg in the CAI group were greater than those in the non-CAI group; however, no significant correlations with the three directions of mSEBT were observed. In the nondominant leg, mSEBT and hip ROMs did not show any significant differences between groups. The dominant leg in soccer players with CAI had poor dynamic balance ability while reaching posterolaterally. However, acquiring hip flexibility may not be necessary to improve the dynamic balance ability. These findings may help develop future research.

Effect of Virtual Reality on Functional Ankle Instability Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review

Objective. To systematically evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) in the rehabilitation of patients with functional ankle instability (FAI). Methods. Nine databases were researched, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, OVID, CNKI, VIP, WanFang, SinoMed, ResearchGate, and WorldWildScience. The publication date deadline was May 22, 2021. To analyze the effect of VR rehabilitation of FAI, we systematically reviewed the literature using the RevMan 5.4 software. Main Results. Five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the analysis, consisting of 137 patients with FAI; 68 of them were in the experimental group, 69 were in the control group, and all were university students. A comparison study was conducted between the two groups in terms of balance function, muscle performance, and proprioception. VR rehabilitation in the treatment of FAI was found to be significantly more effective using a 30-second single-leg standing test than conventional rehabilitation. The angular offset index of VR rehabilitation training was significantly lower than that of conventional balance training (0.66 ± 0.18 vs. 0.95 ± 0.21; P = 0.005). Conclusion. VR rehabilitation is effective at treating FAI. However, RCTs with higher homogeneity are needed to provide a more reliable evidence-based foundation for clinical rehabilitation.

The Effects of Lower Extremity Kinesio Taping on Temporal and Spatial Parameters of Gait Initiation in Semi-professional Soccer Players With and Without Functional Ankle Instability

Introduction: The present study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of two types of Kinesio taping on the temporal and spatial variables of gait initiation in individuals with and without Functional Ankle Instability (FAI). Materials and Methods: Thirty semi-professional athletes (15 with and 15 without FAI [control]) were recruited for this study. The gait initiation task was examined before and after the two types of Kinesio taping on a force plate. Temporal (Reaction Phase [RP], Anticipatory Postural Adjustment Phase [APAP]), and spatial variables were recorded and compared between Groups, before and after the tape application. Results: The results of multiple repeated-measure analyses of variance showed no significant differences for “factor” and “Group by factor” interaction effects for any outcome measure (P>0.05). There were no significant differences for Group effects except for the APAP (F=10.27, P=0.003). The APAA was 71.95 ms longer in the FAI Group (476.95±15.87 ms) compared to the control Group (405.04±15.87 ms). Conclusion: Kinesio taping application does not influence any of the gait initiation parameters on the force plate. Participants with FAI demonstrated longer APAP which might be due to recurrent injury and instability during sports or physical activity.

Effect of Four Weeks of Home-Based Balance Training on the Performance in Individuals with Functional Ankle Instability: A Remote Online Study

The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the effect of 4 weeks of home-based balance training (HBBT) on the performance of individuals with functional ankle instability (FAI) in daily activities and sports. Thirty college students diagnosed with FAI and with a mean weight of 79.8 ± 3.4 kg, height of 182.5 ± 5.1 cm, age of 23.5 ± 1.2 years, and instability score of 20 ± 2.3 were selected to participate in this study and were randomly divided by computer-generated methods into two groups: the HBBT group and the control group (CG), each consisting of 15 subjects. The HBBT group performed the program at home for 4 weeks, while the CG was non-exercise. Before and after the 4 weeks of exercise program, a form containing the foot and ankle ability measure for daily activities and sports was completed by the individuals. For data analysis, intra- and inter-group comparisons were performed using paired and independent sample t-tests, respectively, at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. The results showed that 4 weeks of progressive HBBT were sufficient to significantly improve the measurement of the ability of ankle and foot function in individuals with FAI, even with a total volume of only 60 min per week. Accordingly, it is suggested that individuals with FAI can benefit from short-term HBBT programs, which are simple yet powerful enough to promote improvements in daily activities.

Six-Week Remodeled Bike Pedal Training Improves Dynamic Control of Lateral Shuffling in Athletes With Functional Ankle Instability

Background: Remodeled bicycle pedal training with multidirectional challenges through muscle strengthening and neuromuscular facilitation may increase dynamic postural control and performance during lateral shuffling for athletes with functional ankle instability (FAI). Hypothesis: The 6-week remodeled bicycle pedal training is effective on the ankle joint control and muscle activation, and especially that of the ankle evertor muscle co-contraction to improve dynamic postural control during lateral shuffling for athletes with FAI. Study Design: Laboratory randomized controlled trial. Level of Evidence: Level 2. Methods: Fourteen healthy athletes (healthy group) and 26 athletes with FAI aged 18 to 30 years were included in the study. The athletes with FAI were randomly assigned to either the training group (FAI-T group) or the nontraining group (FAI-NT group). The athletes in the FAI-T group underwent 6 weeks of remodeled bicycle pedal training, whereas those in the FAI-NT group did not undergo any intervention. Muscle co-contraction index and muscle activation in the initial contact (IC) and propulsion phases, and ankle joint angle in the IC and propulsion phases were measured during lateral shuffling before and after 6 weeks of training. Results: After remodeled bicycle pedal training, the FAI-T group demonstrated greater muscle activation in the hamstring ( P = 0.01), greater muscle coactivation of the tibialis anterior (TA) and the peroneus longus ( P = 0.01), and greater ankle eversion angle in the IC phase. Significantly greater muscle activation of the TA ( P = 0.01), greater coactivation of quadriceps and hamstring ( P = 0.03), and a smaller ankle inversion angle ( P = 0.04) in the propulsion phase were observed in the FAI-T group after training compared with those in the FAI-NT group. Conclusion: Remodeled bicycle pedal training facilitates the TA and peroneus longus activation and the coactivation of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles during lateral shuffling and resulted in enhanced ankle and knee joint stability. In addition, a better ankle movement strategy during a dynamic task can be achieved via a 6-week remodeled pedal training program. Clinical Relevance: This remodeled bicycle pedal training can be effective for rehabilitating athletes with FAI to recover lateral dynamic movement capability.

Examining the Use of Kinesiology Tape During Weight Bearing Exercises on Proprioception in Participants With Functional Ankle Instability

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of tape worn during weight bearing exercises on proprioception (i.e., ankle angle repositioning error) in participants with functional ankle instability. We employed a randomized, controlled clinical study in a laboratory setting, with 56 participants with functional ankle instability. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups: (a) weight bearing exercises without tape (n = 18), (b) weight bearing exercises with tape (n = 19) and controls not engaged in weight bearing exercises (n = 19). Weight bearing exercises included six weeks of bilateral squats in partial form with up to 45 degrees of knee flexion, and unilateral partial squats with full heel raise, and with full toe raise. In the taped condition, participants wore tape for six weeks with up to three tape replacements per week. Proprioception was measured as ankle repositioning error. Results showed that the mean angle repositioning error among participants in the active weight bearing groups was decreased by the taping intervention, relative to the control group’s performance ( p = 0.042). There were no significant differences between weight bearing exercise groups and control groups. The addition of kinesiology tape in weight bearing exercises can improve proprioception in active conditions.