Differences in neuromechanics during walking in individuals with bilateral and unilateral chronic ankle instability.

BACKGROUND

Although unilateral chronic ankle instability (CAI) is well studied, differences in joint kinematics and muscle activity during walking between bilateral and unilateral CAI remain unclear.

PURPOSE: To investigate joint kinematics and muscle activation patterns during walking between individuals with bilateral and unilateral CAI.

METHODS

Sixty participants were recruited: 20 bilateral CAI individuals (bilateral), 20 unilateral CAI individuals (unilateral), and 20 healthy controls (control). Joint kinematics and muscle activity were measured throughout the stance phase during 5 walking trials on a force plate.

RESULTS

The bilateral group showed increased ankle dorsiflexion, inversion, knee valgus, hip flexion, and hip adduction angles compared to the unilateral and/or control groups. The unilateral group showed less ankle inversion, knee valgus, and hip flexion, but increased hip adduction angles compared to the control group. The bilateral group exhibited altered muscle activation in the lower extremity muscles compared to the unilateral and control groups. The unilateral group showed altered muscle activation patterns during walking compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Joint angles and muscle activity during walking are altered in individuals with bilateral CAI compared with those with unilateral CAI and healthy controls, indicating distinct biomechanical and neurophysiological differences that reflect unique neuromuscular control strategies.