Is balance impaired by recurrent sprained ankle?
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate uninjured and recurrent sprained ankles during single leg standing, both with and without visual input, and the contribution of related proprioceptive feedback in this event.


METHODS
A force measuring system was used for monitoring reaction forces in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions during single leg standing. Differences between selected variables obtained in the uninjured and sprained ankles were analysed using two way analysis of variance.


RESULTS
Foot-ground reaction forces in both anteroposterior and mediolateral directions were the same in normal and sprained ankles of each subject while standing with either open or closed eyes. However, standing with closed eyes, irrespective of the ankle status, always produced significantly higher reaction forces than those obtained with open eyes (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The amount of postural sway during single leg standing is similar in the chronically sprained and the uninjured ankle joint.
Isakov
E
E
Biomechanics Laboratory, Loewenstein Rehabilitation Hospital, Tel-Aviv University Medical School, Ra'anana, Israel.
Mizrahi
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D004856:Postural Balance; D011434:Proprioception; D012008:Recurrence; D013180:Sprains and Strains / Q000503:physiopathology*