The ability of the Biodex Stability System to distinguish level of function in subjects with a second-degree ankle sprain.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the capacity of the Biodex Stability System using a one-leg stance protocol to differentiate between injured and non-injured limbs and between level of disabilities.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Military and civilian clinic.


METHODS
Thirty-four individuals with a second-degree lateral ankle sprain and 36 healthy subjects.


METHODS
Subjects were tested on the Stability System 30 days after injury using a one-leg stance protocol in the dynamic limit-of-stability mode. All subjects also filled out a disability questionnaire (Lower Extremity Functional Scale). The groups were compared based on the overall dynamic limit-of-stability score and its relationship with the score on the disability questionnaire was also examined.


RESULTS
The overall dynamic limit-of-stability scores (subjects with a lateral ankle sprain: 13.0% (5.5)-26.0% (9.2); healthy subjects: 16.9% (7.9)-27.9% (9.6)) clustered in the lower end of the theoretical range of 0-100%. Statistically significant differences in the overall dynamic limit-of-stability scores were found between the injured and non-injured limbs but group differences were small and clinically not relevant. No significant relationships were found between the overall dynamic limit-of-stability scores and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale scores (58.2 (11.8)) of the subjects with a lateral ankle sprain.


CONCLUSIONS
The one-leg stance protocol carried out in the dynamic limit-of-stability mode is very challenging and offers a very limited capacity to differentiate between injured and non-injured limbs. The main outcome of the Stability System does not appear to be a good indicator of the functional capacity of people with a lateral ankle sprain.
Perron
Marc
M
Physiotherapy Clinic, Valcartier Garrison, 5th Field Ambulance, Canadian Forces Health Services and Rehabilitation Department, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, Canada. Perron.mm@forces.gc.ca
Hébert
Luc J
LJ
McFadyen
Bradford J
BJ
Belzile
Sylvain
S
Regniére
Mario
M
D000328:Adult; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology; D012046:Rehabilitation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013180:Sprains and Strains / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation