The Influence of Lumbopelvic Function on Perceived Ankle Function in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability

Perceived functional impairments measured via patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are associated with reduced postural control ability in CAI patients. Furthermore, hip and trunk neuromuscular impairments are critical factors that can cause decreased postural stability in those with CAI. Identifying the relevance between reduced lumbopelvic function and impaired sensory-perceptual outcomes might direct clinicians to novel methods for CAI patients to improve postural control ability and perceived ankle function. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the relationship between tests of lumbopelvic function and PROs in individuals with CAI. Thirty-three individuals with CAI underwent assessment of transversus abdominis and lumbar multifidus muscle contractility using diagnostic ultrasound; lumbopelvic stability via the unilateral hip bridge, trunk flexion endurance, Biering-Sorensen, and side plank tests; and isometric hip extension, abduction, and external rotation strength via hand-held dynamometry. We assessed PROs including the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM-ADL and FAAM-Sport), the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia-11 and Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire, and the Self-Efficacy of Balance Scale. Pearson product moment correlations and Separate backward linear regression analyses were used to identify the relationship between lumbopelvic function and PROs’ scores. Alpha was set a priori at P2=0.20, P2=0.29, Phttps://digitalcommons.odu.edu/gradposters2021_healthsciences/1006/thumbnail.jp