Neurophysiology of Ankle Instability

Plain-language summary

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a common debilitating orthopedic condition that disrupts physical function and decreases quality of life. Not all CAI is the same. It can be mechanical ligamentous laxity, perceived disability often referred to as functional instability, or a combination of the two. However, clinicians and researchers most often combine all chronic ankle instability patients without considering these sub-groups, which may account for poor recovery and recurrence. The objective of this research is to determine functional and neurophysiological differences between sub-groups of CAI to allow for development of evidence-based rehabilitation which may improve patient outcomes. To accomplish this, the study will determine the differences among CAI sub-groups on performance of a traditional side-hop test and neurocognitive hop test, determine differences in neurophysiological response and motor control between CAI sub-groups during a lower limb and an ankle specific task, and determine the underlying neurophysiological effects of a 4-week neurocognitively enhanced balance training protocol among CAI subgroups. Time to complete each of the hop tests, cortical activation during the balance and force control tasks, and neurocognitive performance will be assessed to determine differences in performance and neurological function among subgroups of CAI

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