Neurophysiology of Ankle Instability

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA · Aug 26, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, titled "Neurophysiology of Ankle Instability," aims to understand the differences in how people with chronic ankle instability (CAI) respond during certain physical tests. The researchers want to find out if there are variations in performance and brain responses among different groups of individuals with CAI. This knowledge could help develop better rehabilitation programs, ultimately improving recovery for patients with ankle injuries. The study will look at how participants perform on traditional exercises and assess their brain activity during these tasks.

To be eligible for this trial, participants need to be physically active, engaging in at least 90 minutes of exercise each week. There are three groups of participants: those without any ankle issues (healthy controls), individuals who have had ankle sprains but are managing well (copers), and those who frequently experience ankle instability (CAI). Participants will undergo various tests to assess their balance and coordination, and they may also take part in a special balance training program over four weeks. It's important to note that certain conditions, like recent injuries or specific health issues, may exclude individuals from participating.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • All participants must be physically active (participation in at least 90 total minutes of activity/week including running, walking, lifting weights, or playing a sport, etc.)
• * Healthy controls:
• • no history of lateral ankle sprain
• • no complaints of their ankle giving way
• • a Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) score greater than 28
• * Coper participants (participants coping with ankle problems:
• • a history of lateral ankle sprain, but no episodes of giving way in previous 12 months
• • CAIT score greater than 28
• * Chronic ankle instability (CAI):
• • history of ankle sprain
• • two or more episodes of ankle giving way in previous 12 months
• • CAIT score less than 25
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • History of lower extremity surgery or fracture
• • Current signs or symptoms of a joint sprain in the lower extremity
• • Pregnancy
• • Diagnosis of a vestibular disorder
• • Diagnosis of a nerve or connective tissue disorder
• • Significant history of condition that impaired cognitive function such as concussion or learning disability
• • Currently taking medications that may affect cognitive function such as narcotics, anti-depressants, anti-anxiety agents, or stimulants