Lower extremity biomechanical features, function and balance performance in acute ankle sprain

The aim of this study is to examine and compare the possible risk factors, lower extremity biomechanical properties, functional status and dynamic balance performance in individuals with acute ankle sprain and compare them with healthy individuals. Twenty-six patients diagnosed with acute ankle sprain by the same physician in Me-morial Ataşehir Hospital, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology were included in the study. As the control group, 26 healthy individuals with similar demographic characteristics were included in the study by simple random method and ended up with 52 individuals in total. The patients were first evaluated by the physiotherapist in the 4th week following the sprain, and the evaluations were repeated in the 8th week. Indi-viduals in the control group were subjected to the same tests and evaluations as the study group, with only one evaluation. Introductory Information Form to determine the demographic characteristics of individuals, Beighton-Horan Joint Mobility Index (BHJMI) to determine general hypermobility levels, universal goniometer to measure the dorsiflexion and plantarflexion range of motion of the ankle joints and Q angle, weight-bearing lunge test (WBLT) in the measurement of dynamic dorsiflexion range of motion, digital hand dynamometer for measurement of the ankle and hip muscle strength, Foot Posture Index for evaluation of foot postures, talar tilt and anterior drawer tests to determine laxity level in ankle joint, Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) for evaluation of postural control and dynamic balance, and the AOFAS Ank-le and Hind Foot Scale were used to determine the functional status of the ankles. In the first measurements made between the groups, the ankle joint range of motion, ankle muscle strength, dynamic balance and AOFAS score were found to be decreased com-pared to the control group (p<0.05). At the end of the 8th week between the groups, WBLT test and plantar flexion range of motion, ankle dorsiflexion, eversion, inversion muscle strength, AOFAS score and posterior dynamic balance reach were found to be decreased compared to the control group (p<0.05). There was no statistically signifi-cant difference between the groups in terms of general joint laxity, hip muscle strength, and foot posture scores at week 8 (p>0.05). In the second evaluation performed in the 8th week within the patient group, balance performance, ankle joint range of motion, dorsiflexion, eversion, and inversion muscle strength and function were found to inc-rease compared to the results of the first evaluation (p<0.05). The results of our study should be evaluated in terms of better understanding of ankle sprain and chronic insta-bility on mechanical and proprioceptive basis, making informed decisions in the eva-luation and treatment of patients, prevention of recurrent sprains, protection of public health, and planning of rehabilitation programs for patients with ankle sprains. It is thought that it will guide the professionals operating in the field.