Individuals with recurrent ankle sprain demonstrate postural instability and neuromuscular control deficits in unaffected side

Clinical Outcomes and Return to Preinjury Sports After Anatomic Reconstruction With a Gracilis Autograft Versus the Modified Broström Procedure in Patients With Generalized Joint Laxity

Background

Generalized joint laxity (GJL) is a risk factor for inferior outcomes after the modified Broström procedure for chronic lateral ankle instability, while anatomic reconstruction with tendons is more inclined to be recommended. However, whether anatomic reconstruction could achieve better results than the modified Broström procedure in patients with GJL is unknown.

Purpose

To compare clinical outcomes and return to sports between anatomic reconstruction and the modified Broström procedure in patients with GJL.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Patients with GJL (Beighton score ≥4) who underwent either the modified Broström procedure or anatomic reconstruction with gracilis autografts between 2017 and 2020 were reviewed. Included were 19 patients who underwent anatomic reconstruction (reconstruction group) and 49 patients who underwent the modified Broström procedure (MBP group). Clinical outcomes were compared using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and the Karlsson score. The rates of return to preinjury level in high-demand sports, sprain recurrence, and range of motion between the 2 groups were also compared.

Results

The mean follow-up duration was 38.3 months in the reconstruction group and 43.7 months in the MBP group. The FAOS and Karlsson scores improved significantly after surgery in both groups (P < .001 for all), with the reconstruction group having significantly higher postoperative FAOS-Sports scores (87.9 ± 8.9 vs 80.5 ± 11.6; P = .015) and Karlsson scores (86.9 ± 6.1 vs 82 ± 8.4; P = .025) than the MBP group. The rate of return to preinjury high-demand sports was higher in the reconstruction group than in the MBP group (73.3% vs 38.9%; P = .034). The MBP group had a significantly higher rate of sprain recurrence (22.4% vs 0%; P = .027). More patients reported dorsiflexion restriction in the reconstruction group (n = 4; 21.1%) than in the MBP group (n = 1; 2%) (P = .019); nonetheless, there was no noticeable effect on daily life and sports.

Conclusion

Better clinical outcomes, less sprain recurrence, and a higher rate of return to preinjury high-demand sports were found after anatomic reconstruction with free tendons compared with the modified Broström procedure in patients with GJL. Anatomic tendon reconstruction can be recommended for such patients, especially those participating in high-demand sports.

Enhancing Post-Surgical Rehabilitation Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Ankle Instability: Impact of Subtalar Joint Axis Balance Exercises Following Arthroscopic Modified Broström Operation

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of subtalar joint axis-based balance exercises on the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) thickness, ankle strength, and ankle stability after an arthroscopic modified Broström operation (AMBO) for chronic ankle instability (CAI). Materials and Methods: The study included 47 patients diagnosed with CAI who underwent AMBO and were randomly divided into three groups: control (n = 11), general balance exercise (n = 17), and subtalar joint axis balance exercise (n = 19), regardless of the affected area. Participants in the exercise rehabilitation group performed exercises for 60 min twice a week for six weeks, starting six weeks after AMBO. ATFL thickness, ankle strength, and ankle dynamic stability were measured using musculoskeletal ultrasonography, Biodex, and Y-balance test, respectively, before and after treatment. Results: Compared with the remaining groups, the subtalar joint axis balance exercise group had reduced ATFL thickness (p = 0.000), improved ankle strength for eversion (p = 0.000) and inversion (p = 0.000), and enhanced ankle stability (p = 0.000). Conclusions: The study results suggest that subtalar joint axis-based balance exercises may contribute to the early recovery of the ankle joint after AMBO.

The Effect of Kinesio Taping on Balance and Dynamic Stability in College-Age Recreational Runners with Ankle Instability

(1) Background: Running is one of many sports that have increased in popularity since it can be conducted at any time or anywhere. Ankle instability is a common injury that usually occurs during running and is usually associated with abnormalities in postural stability. Recently, kinesio taping has gained increasing interest as a tool that can be used in rehabilitation, to improve stability, and to help in injury prevention. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Kinesio taping on balance and dynamic stability in recreational runners with ankle instability. (2) Methods: This randomized controlled trial recruited 90 RRs with ankle instability. The participants were randomly divided into three equal groups: a KT group (KTG) who received Kinesio taping on their ankle joints; a mixed group (MG) who received Kinesio taping and exercises; and an exercise group (EG) who received exercises only. Outcome measures (balance and dynamic stability) were assessed before and after the end of an 8-week treatment program using a Biodex balance system and a star excursion balance test, respectively. (3) Results: Within-group comparisons showed statistically significant improvements in most of the outcome values when compared to baseline. Overall stability index was statistically significantly better (with a high effect size) in the MG compared to KTG or EG (p = 0.01, Cohen's d = 1.6, and p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.63, respectively). A similar finding was evident in the anteroposterior stability index (p = 0.02, Cohen's d = 0.95, and p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.22, respectively). The mediolateral stability index of the KTG was statistically significantly better with a high effect size when compared to MG or EG (p = 0.04, Cohen's d = 0.6, and p < 0.01, Cohen's d = 0.96, respectively). The star excursion balance test values were statistically significant with high effect sizes in the posterior (p = 0.002, Cohen's d = 1.2) and lateral (p < 0.02, Cohen's d = 0.92) directions in the MG compared to KTG and EG. (4) Conclusions: Kinesiotape with exercises is superior to either kinesiotape alone or exercises alone in improving postural stability indices and dynamic stability in recreational runners with ankle instability. Recreational runners with ankle instability should be educated about practicing balance exercises and applying kinesiotape.

Low Regional Homogeneity of Intrinsic Cerebellar Activity in Ankle Instability: An Externally Validated rs-fMRI Study

PURPOSE

Joint deafferentation after post-ankle sprain ligament healing can disrupt sensory input from the ankle and induce maladaptive neuroplasticity, especially in the cerebellum. This study aimed to determine whether the regional homogeneity of intrinsic cerebellar activity differs between patients with ankle instability and healthy controls without a history of ankle injury.

METHODS

The current study used a primary data set of 18 patients and 22 healthy controls and an external UK Biobank data set of 16 patients with ankle instability and 69 healthy controls for a cross-database, cross-sectional investigation. All participants underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging to calculate their regional homogeneity (ReHo) value. Between-group comparisons of the sensorimotor-related subregions of the cerebellum were first performed in the primary data set to identify low cerebellar ReHo in patients with multiple comparison corrections, and the surviving subregions were then externally validated in the UK Biobank data set. Correlation analyses between the ReHo values and clinical features were also performed.

RESULTS

The ReHo value of cerebellar lobule VIIIb was significantly lower in the ankle instability group than in the controls (0.170 ± 0.016 vs 0.184 ± 0.019 in the primary data set, 0.157 ± 0.026 vs 0.180 ± 0.042 in the UK Biobank data set). The ReHo values of this subregion showed a significant positive correlation with the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool scores in the ankle instability group (r = 0.553, P-corrected = 0.0348).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with ankle instability had lower intraregional coherence in cerebellar lobule VIIIb than that of controls, which was also positively correlated with the intensity of self-reported ankle instability.

Arthroscopic modified Broström procedure achieves faster return to sports than open procedure for chronic ankle instability

PURPOSE

To compare the clinical outcomes, rate of return to sports, postural control, and muscle strength between the arthroscopic and open modified Broström procedure for chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) patients.

METHODS

From September 2018 to April 2019, 70 patients diagnosed with CLAI were prospectively included with arthroscopic modified Broström procedure (n = 36) and open modified Broström procedure (n = 34). They were evaluated at five time points (preoperation and 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years postoperatively). The main results examined the rate of return to sports, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Score (AOFAS), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), visual analogue scale (VAS), centre of pressure (COP) excursion velocity, time to boundary (TTB), plantar pressure, isokinetic muscle strength and complications.

RESULTS

Compared with the open group, the arthroscopic group demonstrated a significantly shorter period of return to the preinjury sport (13.2 ± 2.4 weeks vs. 18.7 ± 3.1 weeks, P = 0.023) and a higher early sport ratio (80.6 vs. 61.8%, P = 0.011) combined with better FAAM sports and AOFAS at 3 months and 6 months postoperatively and VAS at 3 months postoperatively. In addition, better anterior-posterior postural control stability, less time to peak force under lateral hindfoot and better dorsiflexion strength were shown in the arthroscopic group at 6 months postoperatively. No significant difference was found in clinical scores, posture control or muscle strength at the 1- or 2-year follow-up between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Shorter period and higher rates of return to sport activities and better clinical scores, posture control and muscle strength were achieved in the arthroscopic group at 6 months postoperatively, and no clinical differences were found between arthroscopic and open modified Broström procedure 1 year or 2 years postoperatively. Arthroscopic modified Broström procedure is a reliable procedure for CLAI injuries with the demand for fast exercise recovery.

CLINICAL REGISTRATION

ChiCTR1900023999.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Does the contralateral healthy ankle of patient with ipsilateral mechanical lateral ankle laxity show greater lateral ankle laxity? Evaluation of the anterior talofibular ligament by stress ultrasonography

Background

A number of studies have evaluated risk factors for lateral ankle sprain (LAS) or chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI). However, the definitive risk factors for LAS or CLAI remain controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the contralateral healthy ankles of subjects with ipsilateral mechanical lateral ankle laxity (group I) show greater lateral ankle laxity in comparison to the healthy ankles of bilateral healthy controls (group B).

Methods

From March 2020, anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) lengths of young adult volunteers were cross-sectionally measured in non-stress and stress positions using a previously reported stress ultrasonography (US) procedure. The ATFL ratio (the ratio of stress ATFL/non-stress ATFL length) was calculated as an indicator of lateral ankle laxity. The manual anterior drawer test (ADT) was also performed. The US findings of healthy ankles from groups I and B were compared.

Results

A total of 154 subjects in group B (mean age, 24.5 ± 2.8 years; male/female, 84/70) and 40 subjects in group I (mean age, 24.4 ± 2.3 years; male/female, 26/14) were included in the study. There was no significant difference in the ADT between the groups. There were no significant differences in the non-stress ATFL length (19.4 ± 1.8 vs. 19.3 ± 1.9, p = 0.84), stress ATFL length (20.8 ± 1.8 vs. 20.9 ± 1.9, p = 0.66), length change (1.5 ± 0.6 vs. 1.6 ± 0.6, p = 0.12) and ATFL ratio (1.08 ± 0.03 vs. 1.08 ± 0.03, p = 0.13) between the groups.

Conclusion

No significant difference was detected between the contralateral healthy ankles of subjects with ipsilateral mechanical lateral ankle laxity and those of bilateral healthy controls.

Prospective comparative study between knee alignment-oriented static and dynamic balance exercise in patellofemoral pain syndrome patients with dynamic knee valgus

Exercise therapy has been reported as an effective treatment method for patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). However, there is a lack of studies regarding the effectiveness of balance exercise in the treatment of patients with PFPS. This study aimed to prospectively compare changes in proprioception, neuromuscular control, knee muscle strength, and patient-reported outcomes between patients with PFPS treated with knee alignment-oriented static balance exercise (SBE) and dynamic balance exercise (DBE). The participants were divided into 2 groups: 17 knee alignment-oriented SBE group and 19 knee alignment-oriented DBE group. Proprioception was assessed by dynamic postural stability using postural stabilometry. Neuromuscular control and knee muscle strength were measured for acceleration time and peak torque in quadriceps muscle using an isokinetic device. Patient-reported outcomes were evaluated using a visual analog scale for pain and the Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale. There was greater improvement in dynamic postural stability (0.9 ± 0.3 vs 1.2 ± 0.5; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0, 0.6; Effect size: 0.72; P = .021) and quadriceps AT (40.5 ± 14.3 vs 54.1 ± 16.9; 95% CI: 2.9, 24.2; Effect size: 0.86; P = .014) in the DBE group compared to the SBE group. Knee alignment-oriented DBE can be more effective in improving dynamic postural stability and quadriceps muscle reaction time compared with the knee alignment-oriented SBE in PFPS patients with dynamic knee valgus.

Validation of Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) in individuals with chronic ankle instability: a cross-sectional observational study

Background

Ankle sprain is the most common lower limb injury in physically active individuals. Loss of function, decreased postural control (PC), strength deficit, and reduced range of motion (ROM) are common after acute lateral ankle sprains. Some patients experienced long lasting symptoms, with recurrent sprains, and episodes of giving-way: a condition known as chronic ankle instability (CAI). Evaluating the function in patients with CAI in the clinical environment is important to identify the severity of the condition, in addition to allowing to assess the effectiveness of a given treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the validation of the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) in terms of muscle strength, PC and ROM in adults with CAI.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study. Individuals with CAI aged between 18 and 45 years were eligible. Individuals with CAI were identified using the Identification of Functional Ankle Instability (IdFAI). All patients filled in the FAAM and FAOS scores. Muscle strength was assessed by manual dynamometry, ROM by the Lunge test, PC by computerized posturography, modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT) and modified Balance Error Score System (mBESS).

Results

50 participants were enrolled in the present study. The mean age of the patients was 27.2 ± 6.3 years, and the mean body mass index was 26.4 ± 4.8 kg/m2. 58% (29 of 50) were men and 42% (21 of 50) women. 18 individuals had unilateral (36%) and 32 bilateral (64%) CAI. The results of FAAM were associated with MCT, mSEBT, invertor muscles strength, plantar flexor muscles strength, dorsiflexor muscles strength, and external hip rotator muscles strength (P < 0.05). The results of FAOS were associated with mSEBT, invertor muscles strength, plantar flexor muscles strength, dorsiflexor muscles strength, evertor muscles strength, and external hip rotator muscles strength, and mBEES (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Both the FAAM and FAOS demonstrated validity to evaluate postural control and muscle strength in patients with CAI, while no association was found in relation to ankle dorsiflexion.

Proprioception and neuromuscular control at return to sport after ankle surgery with the modified Broström procedure

The modified Broström procedure (MBP) is an initial treatment for symptomatic chronic ankle instability (CAI) patients. This study aimed to compare the proprioception and neuromuscular control ability of both affected and unaffected ankles at the time of return to sports after MBP for patients with scores of normal controls. 75 individuals (40 who underwent MBP, 35 normal controls) participated. The dynamic balance test scores were significantly higher in the affected ankle of the patients than in the controls (1.5 ± 0.6° vs. 1.1 ± 0.4°, p < 0.003). The time to peak torque for dorsiflexion (60.8 ± 13.9 ms vs. 52.2 ± 17.5 ms, p < 0.022) and eversion (68.9 ± 19.1 ms vs. 59.3 ± 21.1 ms, p < 0.043) was significantly delayed in the affected ankle of the patients than in the controls. The dynamic balance test and time to peak torque in CAI patients remained significantly reduced at the time of return-to-sport after MBP. Clinicians and therapists should be aware of potential deficits in proprioception and neuromuscular control when determining the timing of return to sports after MBP.

Tai Chi and Yoga for Improving Balance on One Leg: A Neuroimaging and Biomechanics Study

The one-leg stance is frequently used in balance training and rehabilitation programs for various balance disorders. There are some typical one-leg stance postures in Tai Chi (TC) and yoga, which are normally used for improving balance. However, the mechanism is poorly understood. Besides, the differences of one-leg stance postures between TC and yoga in training balance are still unknown. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate cortical activation and rambling and trembling trajectories to elucidate the possible mechanism of improving one-leg stance balance, and compare the postural demands during one-leg stance postures between TC and yoga. Thirty-two healthy young individuals were recruited to perform two TC one-leg stance postures, i.e., right heel kick (RHK) and left lower body and stand on one leg (LSOL), two yoga postures, i.e., one-leg balance and Tree, and normal one-leg standing (OLS). Brain activation in the primary motor cortex, supplementary motor area (SMA), and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) was measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. The center of pressure was simultaneously recorded using a force platform and decomposed into rambling and trembling components. One-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used for the main effects. The relative concentration changes of oxygenated hemoglobin (ΔHbO) in SMA were significantly higher during RHK, LSOL, and Tree than that during OLS (p < 0.001). RHK (p < 0.001), LSOL (p = 0.003), and Tree (p = 0.006) all showed significantly larger root mean square rambling (RmRMS) than that during OLS in the medial–lateral direction. The right DLPFC activation was significantly greater during the RHK than that during the Tree (p = 0.023), OLB (p < 0.001), and OLS (p = 0.013) postures. In conclusion, the RHK, LSOL, and Tree could be used as training movements for people with impaired balance. Furthermore, the RHK in TC may provide more cognitive training in postural control than Tree and OLB in yoga. Knowledge from this study could be used and implemented in training one-leg stance balance.

Reliability and usefulness of the single leg heel raise balance test in patients with chronic ankle instability

We aimed to analyze the differences in static (including conventional and modified [single-leg heel-raise balance]) and dynamic postural stability and muscle endurance between patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI) and healthy controls, and to determine the reliability and usefulness of the single-leg heel-raise balance test in patients with CAI. In total, 26 patients with CAI and 26 healthy controls were enrolled. Postural stability was assessed using a postural stabilometry system. Muscle endurance was measured in dorsiflexion and plantarflexion using an isokinetic device. Modified static postural stability (P < 0.001) and dynamic postural stability (P < 0.001) were significantly poorer in the affected ankles of patients with CAI than in the controls. Plantarflexion endurance was significantly lower in the affected ankles of the patients with CAI than in the controls (P = 0.023). Modified static postural stability significantly correlated with plantarflexion endurance in both groups (CAI group: r = - 0.470, P = 0.015; healthy controls group: r = - 0.413, P = 0.036). Plantarflexion endurance was a significant risk factor for modified static postural stability in both the CAI group (R² = 0.221, P = 0.015) and healthy controls (R² = 0.170, P = 0.036). Given the reliability of the modified static postural stability test, clinicians and therapists should consider using it to assess improvements in postural stability and muscle endurance in patients with CAI before and after rehabilitation.

Ankle Stability and Movement Coordination Impairments: Lateral Ankle Ligament Sprains Revision 2021

This revised clinical practice guideline (CPG) addresses the distinct but related lower extremity impairments of those with a first-time lateral ankle sprain (LAS) and those with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Depending on many factors, impairments may continue following injury. While most individuals experience resolution of symptoms, complaints of instability may continue and are defined as CAI. The aims of the revision were to provide a concise summary of the contemporary evidence since publication of the original guideline and to develop new recommendations or revise previously published recommendations to support evidence-based practice. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2021;51(4):CPG1-CPG80. doi:10.2519/jospt.2021.0302.

[Characteristics and related factors of plantar pressure in the chronic ankle instability individuals]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze characteristics and related factors of the plantar pressure during the level walking and single leg standing in the chronic ankle instability (CAI) individuals.

METHODS

From April 2019, 75 CAI individuals and 40 healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. Both of the static and dynamic plantar pressure were measured during six times level walking and three times single leg standing testing. The data including peak force, time to peak force in various foot contact areas and the time to boundary (TTB) and velocity of center of pressure (COP) were measured and compared between the affected side and the unaffected side and between the CAI cases and the healthy individuals. The correlations between the plantar pressure and the gender, Beighton score, affected side and body mass index (BMI) were analyzed.

RESULTS

The characteristics of plantar pressure distribution in the CAI individuals included: (1) During the level walking, the affected side showed the similar pressure contribution as the unaffected side (P>0.05). While compared with healthy individuals, there was a significantly higher peak force in the 5th metatarsal area (t=-3.86, P=0.03) of the affected side, lower peak force in the 1st (t=2.99, P=0.02), 2nd metatarsal head areas (t=2.09, P=0.01) of the affected side, medial hindfoot areas of both sides (affected, t=2.33, P=0.01; unaffected, t=3.74, P=0.02) and toes areass of both sides (affected, t=2.23, P=0.01; unaffected, t=3.28, P=0.02) and a delay to peak force in the 4th metatarsal head area (t=3.33, P=0.01) of the affected side. (2) During the single leg standing, the CAI individuals showed significantly worse balance control in the anterior/posterior direction (P < 0.05) and lateral/medial direction (P < 0.05) compared with the healthy controls, and the affected side had more severe balance control deficit in the lateral/medial direction (P < 0.05). (3) The women (P < 0.05) and the individuals with higher Beighton scores (P < 0.05) showed worse balance control deficit in the lateral/medial direction.

CONCLUSION

CAI individuals showed significantly a more lateral shifted plantar distribution during the level walking compared with the healthy individuals and the tendency was worse on the affected sides, and showed worse balance control in the anterior/posterior direction and lateral/medial direction during the single leg standing. The women and those with generalized ligament laxity showed significantly worse balance control.

Chronic ankle instability is associated with proprioception deficits: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Acute ankle injury causes damage to joint mechanoreceptors and deafferentation and contributes to proprioception deficits in patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI). We aimed to explore whether deficits of proprioception, including kinesthesia and joint position sense (JPS), exist in patients with CAI when compared with the uninjured contralateral side and healthy people. We hypothesized that proprioception deficits did exist in patients with CAI and that the deficits varied by test methodologies.

METHODS

The study was a systematic review and meta-analysis. We identified studies that compared kinesthesia or JPS in patients with CAI with the uninjured contralateral side or with healthy controls. Meta-analyses were conducted for the studies with similar test procedures, and narrative syntheses were undertaken for the rest.

RESULTS

A total of 7731 studies were identified, of which 30 were included for review. A total of 21 studies were eligible for meta-analysis. Compared with the contralateral side, patients with CAI had ankle kinesthesia deficits in inversion and plantarflexion, with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of 0.41 and 0.92, respectively, and active and passive JPS deficits in inversion (SMD = 0.92 and 0.72, respectively). Compared with healthy people, patients with CAI had ankle kinesthesia deficits in inversion and eversion (SMD = 0.64 and 0.76, respectively), and active JPS deficits in inversion and eversion (SMD = 1.00 and 4.82, respectively). Proprioception deficits in the knee and shoulder of patients with CAI were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Proprioception, including both kinesthesia and JPS, of the injured ankle of patients with CAI was impaired, compared with the uninjured contralateral limbs and healthy people. Proprioception varied depending on different movement directions and test methodologies. The use of more detailed measurements of proprioception and interventions for restoring the deficits are recommended in the clinical management of CAI.

Static and Dynamic Quadriceps Stretching Exercises in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Limited data are available on the effect of stretching exercise in patients with patellofemoral pain (PFP) who have inflexible quadriceps, which is one of the various causes of PFP syndrome. This study compares quadriceps flexibility, strength, muscle activation time, and patient-reported outcomes after static and dynamic quadriceps stretching exercises in patients with PFP who had inflexible quadriceps.

HYPOTHESIS

Quadriceps flexibility and strength, muscle activation time, and patient-reported outcomes would improve with dynamic quadriceps stretching as compared with static quadriceps stretching exercises.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 2.

METHODS

Of the 44 patients included in the study, 20 performed static stretching and 24 performed dynamic stretching. Quadriceps flexibility was assessed by measuring the knee flexion angle during knee flexion in the prone position (the Ely test). Muscle strength and muscle activation time were measured using an isokinetic device. The patient-reported outcomes were evaluated using the visual analogue scale for pain and anterior knee pain scale.

RESULTS

No significant differences in quadriceps flexibility and strength, muscle activation time, and patient-reported outcomes in the involved knees were found between the 2 groups (P values > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Quadriceps flexibility and strength, muscle activation time, and patient-reported outcomes in patients with PFP who had inflexible quadriceps showed no significant differences between the static and dynamic quadriceps stretching exercise groups.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Both static and dynamic stretching exercises may be effective for improving pain and function in patients with PFP who have inflexible quadriceps.

Incorporating regenerative medicine into rehabilitation programmes: a potential treatment for ankle sprain

Ankle sprain has a great effect on morbidity and complications of chronic diseases. Experts have come to a consensus where ankle sprain can be managed by rest, ice, compression and elevation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, immobilisation, functional support such as the use of an ankle brace, exercise, surgery and other therapies that include physiotherapy modalities and acupuncture. However, the time required for healing is still relatively long in addition to post-operative complications. Because of the challenges and setbacks faced by interventions to manage ankle sprains and in view of the recent trend and development in the field of regenerative medicine, this article discusses future treatments focusing on a personalised and holistic approach for ankle sprain management. This narrative review provides a novel idea for incorporating regenerative medicine into conventional therapy as an intervention for ankle sprain based on theoretical concepts and available evidence on regenerative medicine involving ligament injuries.

A prospective study of the muscle strength and reaction time of the quadriceps, hamstring, and gastrocnemius muscles in patients with plantar fasciitis

Background

Muscle weakness is an important etiological factor in plantar fasciitis (PF), but available data on the role of the quadriceps, hamstring, and gastrocnemius (GCM) muscles are limited. The aim of this study was to compare the strength and reaction time of the quadriceps, hamstring, and GCM muscles and foot pressure between patients with PF and normal controls.

Methods

A total of 21 PF patients and 21 normal controls were enrolled. Muscle strength was measured by the peak torque per body weight (Nmkg^− 1 × 100). Muscle reaction time was evaluated by the acceleration time (AT, milliseconds). Foot pressure and posture were assessed by pedobarography [valgus/varus index (VV index), %].

Results

The strength of the quadriceps was significantly lower in the affected ankles of the PF group than in the control group (p = 0.005). The AT of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles was significantly increased in the affected ankles of the PF group than in the control group (quadriceps: p = 0.012, hamstring: p = 0.001), while the AT of the GCM muscle was significantly decreased (p = 0.009) and significantly correlated negatively with quadriceps muscle strength (r = −.598, p = 0.004) and AT (r = −.472, p = 0.031). Forefoot (p = 0.001) and hindfoot (p = 0.000) pressure were significantly greater, with the VV index showing hindfoot valgus, in the affected ankles in the PF group compared to the control group (p = 0.039).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated weakness and delayed reaction time of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles, with a rapid reaction time of the GCM muscle, in patients with PF.

Clinical relevance

Clinicians and therapists should assess the function of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles when planning the management of PF patients without muscle tightness.

Role of the Triceps Surae Muscles in Patients Undergoing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Matched Case-Control Study

A limited number of studies has investigated the gastrocnemius and soleus in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). This study investigated the muscle strength (Nm kg⁻¹ × 100) and reaction time (acceleration time (AT), milliseconds) of thigh and calf muscles in patients undergoing ACLR. Thirty-two patients with ACLR and 32 normal control subjects were included. One year postoperatively, the strength of thigh muscles was significantly reduced after ACLR compared with that of controls (hamstring: 80 ± 31.3 vs. 142 ± 26.4, p < 0.001, quadriceps: 159 ± 63.7 vs. 238 ± 35.3, p < 0.001). However, the strength of calf muscles was not significantly different compared with that of controls (gastrocnemius: 77 ± 22.9 vs. 81 ± 22.5, p = 0.425, soleus: 54 ± 15.9 vs. 47 ± 16.1, p = 0.109). The AT of calf muscles was significantly faster after ACLR than that of controls (gastrocnemius: 26 ± 9.8 vs. 31 ± 9, p = 0.030, soleus: 18 ± 6.7 vs. 22 ± 8.5, p = 0.026). The AT of thigh muscles was significantly elongated after ACLR than that of controls (hamstring: 72 ± 18 vs. 55 ± 12.4, p < 0.001, quadriceps: 63 ± 17.6 vs. 47 ± 17, p < 0.000). The strength of thigh muscles was reduced, and the ATs of thigh muscles were slower one year after ACLR. However, the AT of the triceps surae was faster than that of controls. This may implicate a compensatory mechanism of the triceps surae for the weakness and delayed activation in hamstring and quadriceps muscles.

Effects of Static and Dynamic Stretching With Strengthening Exercises in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Who Have Inflexible Hamstrings: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) syndrome is closely associated with muscle tightness. However, studies regarding the effects of stretching exercises on PFP patients with inflexible hamstrings are scarce. The aim of the study was to compare the effects between static and dynamic hamstring stretching in patients with PFP who have inflexible hamstrings.

HYPOTHESIS

Compared with static hamstring stretching, dynamic hamstring stretching will improve the parameters of hamstring flexibility, knee muscle strength, muscle activation time, and clinical outcomes in this patient population.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective randomized controlled trial.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 2.

METHODS

A total of 46 patients (25, static stretching; 21, dynamic stretching) participated. Hamstring flexibility was assessed according to the popliteal angle during active knee extension. Muscle strength and muscle activation time were measured using an isokinetic device. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and the anterior knee pain scale (AKPS).

RESULTS

There were no differences in hamstring flexibility and knee muscle strength of the affected knees between the groups (P > 0.05). Significantly improved muscle activation time and clinical outcomes of the affected knees were observed in the dynamic stretching group compared with the static stretching group (all Ps < 0.01 for hamstring, quadriceps, VAS, and AKPS).

CONCLUSION

In patients with PFP who have inflexible hamstrings, dynamic hamstring stretching with strengthening exercises was superior for improving muscle activation time and clinical outcomes compared with static hamstring stretching with strengthening exercises.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Clinicians and therapists could implement dynamic hamstring stretching to improve function and reduce pain in patients with PFP who have inflexible hamstrings.

Modified Broström procedure in patients with chronic ankle instability is superior to conservative treatment in terms of muscle endurance and postural stability

PURPOSE

To compare muscle strength, muscle endurance, and postural stability in both the affected and unaffected ankles between patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI) who underwent conservative treatment and those who underwent the modified Broström procedure (MBP).

METHODS

A total of 67 patients (37, conservative treatment; 30, MBP) participated. Muscle strength and muscle endurance were measured using an isokinetic device, and postural stability was tested using a postural stabilometry system. We used the independent t test for continuous variables with a normal distribution and Fisher's exact test for categorical variables.

RESULTS

There was no difference in the muscle strengths of the affected and unaffected ankles between the groups. The muscle endurance of plantarflexion and inversion muscles was significantly lower in the affected ankles of the conservative treatment group than in those of the MBP group (plantarflexion: 209 ± 103.1 vs. 318 ± 162.2, p = 0.001; inversion: 93 ± 58.7 vs. 154 ± 65.9, p < 0.001). Static postural stability testing showed no significant differences between the affected and unaffected ankles of the two groups. In the dynamic postural stability test, the overall, anterior-posterior, and medial-lateral stability indices were all significantly higher in the affected ankles of the conservative treatment group than in those of the MBP group (p < 0.001, p = 0.004, p = 0.004, respectively), with no differences observed in the unaffected ankles.

CONCLUSION

The MBP may significantly improve muscle endurance and dynamic postural stability in CAI patients in whom conservative treatment has failed. Therefore, clinicians should consider using MBP instead of conservative treatment when patients show severe muscle weakness or dynamic postural instability.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Case-control study, Level III.