An Examination Of Gluteal Complex Strength And Unipedal Equilibrium In Runners With Persistent Ankle Instability: A Cross-Sectional Investigation

Abstract

Purpose: This investigation sought to delineate the association between gluteal complex musculature strength and single-leg stance equilibrium capabilities in runners afflicted with chronic ankle instability (CAI), in contrast to a cohort of healthy runners.

Methods: The study cohort comprised 16 participants diagnosed with CAI and 18 healthy runners. Hip Stability Isometric Test (Hip SIT) and Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) protocols were employed for participant assessment. Statistical analyses were executed to ascertain disparities in Hip SIT and SEBT scores between the two groups and to elucidate correlations between muscular strength and equilibrium capacity.

Results: No statistically significant variations were observed in Hip SIT and SEBT (F, PM, PL) scores when comparing the CAI and healthy runner cohorts (P=.729; P=.636; P=.675; P=.401). Correlation analysis indicated an absence of significant relationships between Hip SIT and SEBT-F or SEBT-PL (r=.151,P>.05; r=.277,P>.05). However, a moderate correlation was identified between Hip SIT and SEBT-PM (r=.344,P<.05).

Conclusion: This study furnishes fundamental insights for the development of rehabilitative and training regimens tailored for runners experiencing ankle instability. The findings underscore the critical role of gluteal complex strength in specific facets of equilibrium maintenance. Future scholarly endeavors should consider augmenting sample sizes and integrating additional variables to enrich the comprehension of rehabilitation program design aimed at mitigating recurrence and fostering recuperation in individuals with chronic ankle instability.