Sheri A. Hale, Jay Hertel, Lauren C. Olmsted-Kramer
The objective of this study was to examine the effects of a 4-week rehabilitation program for chronic ankle instability (CAI) on postural control and lower extremity function. Subjects with unilateral CAI were randomly assigned to the rehabilitation or control group. Subjects without CAI were assigned to a healthy group. Baseline testing included the (1) center of pressure velocity (COPV), 2) star excursion balance test (SEBT), and 3) Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) and FADI-Sports Subscale (FADI-Sport). The CAI-rehab group completed 4 weeks of rehabilitation that addressed range of motion, strength, neuromuscular control, and functional tasks. After 4 weeks, all subjects were retested. Results showed that the subjects with CAI demonstrated deficits in postural control and SEBT reach tasks in the involved limb compared to the uninvolved limb and reported functional deficits on the involved limb compared to healthy subjects. Following rehabilitation, the CAI-rehab group had greater SEBT reach improvements on the involved limb than the other groups and greater improvements in FADI and FADI-Sport scores.The authors conclude that these results demonstrate postural control and functional limitations exist in individuals with CAI. In addition, rehabilitation appears to improve these functional limitations. Finally, there is evidence to suggest the SEBT may be a good functional measure to monitor change after rehabilitation for CAI.
Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 2007, 37(6), 303-311.