Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and landing postures during a soccer-specific task

Better outcomes using suture button compared to screw fixation in talofibular syndesmotic injuries of the ankle: a level I evidence-based meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The present meta-analysis evaluated current level I clinical trials which compared the use of a suture button (SB) versus syndesmotic screw (SS) fixation techniques for syndesmosis injuries of the ankle. The outcomes of interest were to compare patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and complications. It was hypothesised that SB might achieve better PROMs along with a lower rate of complications.

METHODS

This study was conducted according to the 2020 PRISMA statement. In August 2023, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Embase were accessed. All the randomised controlled trials (RCTs) which compared SB versus SS fixation for syndesmosis injuries of the ankle were accessed. Data concerning the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS), and Olerud-Molander score (OMS) were collected at baseline and at last follow-up. Data on implant failure, implant removal, and joint malreduction were also retrieved.

RESULTS

Data from seven RCTs (490 patients) were collected. 33% (161 of 490) were women. The mean length of the follow-up was 30.8 ± 27.4 months. The mean age of the patients was 41.1 ± 4.1 years. Between the two groups (SB and SS), comparability was found in the mean age, and men:women ratio. The SS group evidenced lower OMS (P = 0.0006) and lower AOFAS (P = 0.03). The SS group evidenced a greater rate of implant failure (P = 0.0003), implant removal (P = 0.0005), and malreduction (P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Suture button fixation might perform better than the syndesmotic screw fixation in syndesmotic injuries of the ankle.

The Kneeling Isometric Plantar Flexor Test: Preliminary Reliability and Feasibility in Professional Youth Football

Calf injuries are common in professional football; thus, the establishment of reliable and time-efficient methods of measuring the peak force capabilities of the plantar flexors with equipment that is accessible to football practitioners is valuable. In this study, we determined the preliminary reliability and feasibility of a new test, termed the kneeling isometric plantar flexion test (KIPFT), for footballers. Twenty-one male youth footballers (age = 17.8 ± 1.1 years, height = 182 ± 5 cm, weight = 77.6 ± 5.9 kg) from English League One football clubs completed three trials of the KIPFT on a wireless force plate at the end (2022-2023) and start (2023-2024) of the season. The within-session reliability of the peak force (relative to body weight) was good-excellent for both limbs and both occasions. On average, performance of the KIPFT took just over 1 min per limb and ~2 min to set up. The peak force values were larger for the non-dominant limbs only at the start versus the end of the season, but there were no between-limb differences. From these results, it was determined that (1) the KIPFT is feasible, (2) a minimum of 32 footballers would be required to establish its between-session reliability with ≥80% statistical power and (3) large-cohort normative data for the KIPFT may be best collected at the start of the football season.

Ankle biomechanics of the three-step layup in a basketball player with chronic ankle instability

At present, the effects of chronic ankle instability (CAI) on the biomechanics of the ankle joint in the three-step layup of basketball players are not clear. This work aims to thoroughly investigate the impact of CAI on the biomechanical characteristics of the ankle during the execution of a three-step layup in basketball players. Thirty male basketball players were stratified into distinct groups-namely, a CAI group and a non-CAI group-comprising 15 individuals each, based on the presence or absence of CAI. Demographic attributes, including age, weight, height, and the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) score, were subjected to rigorous statistical examination within both athlete cohorts. The research employed four Whistler 9281CA 3D force measuring platforms (Switzerland), recording at 1000 Hz, in conjunction with eight camera motion analysis systems (USA), functioning at a frequency of 200 Hz. The study recorded maximal plantarflexion angle, inversion angle, dorsiflexion angle, and peak ankle dorsiflexion moment across the subjects during the distinct phases of push-off, landing, and the ensuing landing period. The findings notably exhibited that within the context of the one-foot push-off phase, the maximum ankle inversion angle was notably diminished in the CAI group as contrasted with the non-CAI group, demonstrating statistical significance (t = - 3.006, P < 0.01). The CAI group exhibited a lesser alteration in ankle inversion angle compared to the non-CAI group. Notably, during the one-foot landing period, the CAI group demonstrated a significantly greater maximum ankle inversion angle in contrast to the non-CAI group (t = 8.802, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the CAI group displayed a substantially larger maximum dorsiflexion angle at the ankle joint compared to the non-CAI group (t = 2.265, P < 0.05). Additionally, the CAI group exhibited a prolonged peak time for ankle dorsiflexion moment as compared to the non-CAI group (t = - 2.428, P < 0.05). Collectively, the findings elucidated a reduction in the maximum ankle joint inversion angle during the one-foot push-off phase in individuals with CAI. Furthermore, increased maximum inversion angle and maximum dorsiflexion angle of the ankle joint were observed during the one-foot landing period, alongside a lengthening of the peak time of ankle dorsiflexion moment. These results contribute valuable insights into the selection of training methodologies for basketball players afflicted by CAI.

Anterior component of Y-Balance test is correlated to ankle dorsiflexion range of motion in futsal players: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Restricted dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM) could impact dynamic balance in sports. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between dorsiflexion range of motion and the Y-Balance Test (YBT) in elite futsal players.

METHODS

Sixty-one asymptomatic male futsal players (mean age 26.57 (5.64) years, a mean body mass index of 25.40 (2.69) kg/m2 ) were included. DFROM was measured by the weight-bearing lunge test (WBLT). DFROM data were obtained using smartphone-based motion capture. The Pearson correlation coefficient verified the correlation between the variables.

RESULTS

Dominant and nondominant leg ankle DFROM was significantly correlated with the anterior component of YBT (r = 0.27 and 0.51, respectively). The posteromedial component and the composite score of the YBT were also significantly correlated with nondominant leg ankle DFROM (r = 0.31 and 0.34, respectively)]. The other measures were not statistically significant. DFROM explained between 7% and 24% of the variation of the distances reached in the YBT.

CONCLUSION

Dorsiflexion range of motion measured by weight bearing lunge test is positively correlated with dynamic balance in futsal players.