The dynamic postural control is impaired in patients with chronic ankle instability: reliability and validity of the multiple hop test.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the reliability and validity of a clinical evaluation method for the assessment of the dynamic postural control in patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI).


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
All tests were conducted at the practice room of the Physical Therapy Department.


METHODS
Twenty-nine healthy subjects and 29 patients with CAI were selected.


METHODS
Participants performed twice a multiple hop test within a 1-week time interval. Subjects hopped on 10 different tape markers while trying to avoid any postural correction.


METHODS
The number and type of balance errors were documented by analyzing the digital video images.


RESULTS
Test-retest reliability of the number of balance errors was excellent in patients (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC = 0.83; standard errors of measurement = 2.6) and moderate in healthy subjects (ICC = 0.64; standard errors of measurement = 2.8). The intra-observer and inter-observer reliability was excellent (ICC > 0.90). Both for the test (P = 0.000) and for the retest (P = 0.000), the number of balance errors in patients was significantly higher (17.9 +/- 6.6) when compared with healthy subjects (10.9 +/- 4.6). On both test occasions, patients with CAI used significantly more a change-in-support strategy (test: P = 0.000; retest: P = 0.000). The number of balance errors was significantly correlated with the time needed to perform the test (r = 0.60; P = 0.000) and the perceived difficulty of the hop test as rated on a visual analogue scale (r = 0.44; P = 0.014).


CONCLUSIONS
The multiple hop test is a reliable and valid test for detecting an impaired dynamic postural control in patients with CAI.
Eechaute
Christophe
C
Physical Therapy Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium. christophe.eechaute@belgacom.net
Vaes
Peter
P
Duquet
William
W
D000328:Adult; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D015588:Observer Variation; D004856:Postural Balance; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D055815:Young Adult