Affiliations: [a] Institute of Sports Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea | [b] Department of Physical Education, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung-si, Korea | [c] Department of Orthopedic Surgery, SNU Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Sang Gyo Seo, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, SNU Seoul Hospital, 237, Gonghang-daero, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, Korea. Tel.: +82 2 333 5151; Fax: +82 2 333 5104; E-mail: sanggyoseo@naver.com.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Ankle sprain is a common sports injury. The initial injury involves trauma, but repeated inversion injuries occur in patients with eversion strength weakness and lower dynamic balance ability. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to measure strength and dynamic balance ability of ankle sprain patients and to analyze characteristics which part is more meaningful. METHODS: Patients were 91 men and 116 women with chronic ankle instability (CAI) All patients were tested for dynamic balance (Y-balance test, YBT) and isokinetic strength (evertors, at 30∘/s). RESULTS: Forty men (44.0%) and 44 women (37.9%) showed lower relative eversion strength on the injured side. Balance was compromised in 66 men (72%) and 74 women (81%). Sixteen men (17.6%) and 44 women (37.9%) were weak in both YBT and muscle strength. CONCLUSIONS: CAI patients tended to have a greater loss of dynamic balance ability than weakness of ankle eversion strength. Therefore, balance training should be emphasized in ankle re-injury prevention program.
