Subjective and Objective Evaluation of the Functional Condition after a Single Lateral Sprain of the Ankle in Athletes.

BACKGROUND

Ankle sprains can lead to functional deficits. However, few papers have investigated deficits following a single lateral ankle sprain as either assessed subjectively by the patient (e.g., with questionnaires) or measured objectively (e.g., by evaluation of postural stability). This paper aims to provide subjective and objective assessment of functional status in athletes after a single lateral ankle sprain.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A lateral ankle sprain group (LAS) consisted of 20 athletes after a single lateral ankle sprain (mean age 23 ± 1.78 years). A control group (CTRL) comprised 20 athletes with no history of injury (mean age 22.5 ± 2.67 years). Subjective assessment was based on the Foot and Ankle Disability Index questionnaire (FADI-Q). A Biodex Balance System SD dynamic platform was used to assess postural stability. Static and dynamic testing was performed in single-leg stance.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences were noted during the comparison of the LAS and CTRL groups in FADI-Q in the following parts: FADI (p=0,017) and FADI TOTAL (p=0,049). Moreover, statistically significant differences were noted in the LAS group between subjects with instability (N-STAB) and without instability (STAB) of the ankle in the parts FADI (p=0,006), FADI SPORT (p=0,011) and FADI TOTAL (p=0,002). During static and dynamic postural stability testing, no significant differences were found between sprained and healthy limbs, between the LAS and CTRL groups, or between the STAB and N-STAB groups.

CONCLUSIONS

1. Athletes after ankle sprain assessed their functio-nal status as worse compared to the control group. Moreover, deterioration in functional status was perceived by athletes with an unstable ankle joint compared to participants with a stable ankle joint. 2. The study indicates that a single ankle sprain is associated with a high risk of developing functio-nal instability. 3. The process of maintaining postural stability was similar in athletes after a single ankle sprain and in those without a history of ankle injury.