Intrinsic graft laxity variation with open kinetic chain exercise after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A non-randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether quadriceps and hamstring strengthening in a rehabilitation program involving early open kinetic chain (OKC) and/or closed kinetic chain (CKC) knee joint exercises had an influence on graft laxity at 1, 3, and 6 months after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). DESIGN: Retrospective study. METHODS: Two groups (n = 53) of ACLR patients (combination of OKC and CKC exercises group compared to a CKC exercise group) were recruited. OKC protocol was introduced at 2 weeks post-operatively without external resistance and progressed at 4 weeks with load. Comparative ACL graft laxity measurement and isokinetic strength testing were prospectively performed up to 6 months in both groups. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in the knee laxity at 1 (p = 0.263), 3 (p = 0.263), and 6 months (p = 0.256) follow up between the groups. Similarly, no significant results were observed in within-group knee laxity between 1 and 6 months after ACLR in the intervention (p = 0.155) and control group (p = 0.690). CONCLUSION: The early initiation of OKC along with CKC exercises doesn't seem to increase the ACLR graft laxity as compared to a rehabilitation program with only CKC exercises.

Individuals with chronic ankle instability show altered regional activation of the peroneus longus muscle during ankle eversion.

Individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) present muscular weakness and potential changes in the activation of the peroneus longus muscle, which likely explains the high recurrence of ankle sprains in this population. However, there is conflicting evidence regarding the role of the peroneus longus activity in CAI, possibly due to the limited spatial resolution of the surface electromyography (sEMG) methods (i.e., bipolar sEMG). Recent studies employing high-density sEMG (HD-sEMG) have shown that the peroneus longus presents differences in regional activation, however, it is unknown whether this regional activation is maintained under pathological conditions such as CAI. This study aimed to compare the myoelectric activity, using HD-sEMG, of each peroneus longus compartment (anterior and posterior) between individuals with and without CAI. Eighteen healthy individuals (No-CAI group) and 18 individuals with CAI were recruited. In both groups, the center of mass (COM) and the sEMG amplitude at each compartment were recorded during ankle eversion at different force levels. For the posterior compartment, the sEMG amplitude of CAI group was significantly lower than the No-CAI group (mean difference = 5.6% RMS; 95% CI = 3.4-7.6; p = 0.0001). In addition, it was observed a significant main effect for group (F1,32 = 9.608; p = 0.0040) with an anterior displacement of COM for the CAI group. These findings suggest that CAI alters the regional distribution of muscle activity of the peroneus longus during ankle eversion. In practice, altered regional activation may impact strengthening programs, prevention, and rehabilitation of CAI.

Immediate effects of local muscle vibration on static and dynamic balance control in individuals with chronic ankle instability.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the immediate effects of local muscle vibration (LMV) on static and dynamic balance control in individuals with and without chronic ankle instability (CAI). DESIGN: Quasi-experimental study. SETTING: Research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-six individuals with CAI and 26 healthy controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Center of pressure variables (mean total velocity and displacement in anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions) during single-leg standing with eyes open and eyes closed and also reach distances in anterior (ANT), posteromedial (PM), and posterolateral (PL) directions of the modified star excursion balance test (MSEBT) were assessed before and after LMV. RESULTS: Statistical analyses showed a significant decrease in mean total velocity and displacement in AP direction from before to after LMV in eyes open condition for both individuals with CAI (p = 0.025, p = 0.041, respectively) and healthy controls (p = 0.001, p = 0.003, respectively). Similar results were observed in eyes closed condition for both individuals with CAI (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively) and healthy controls (p = 0.040, p = 0.014, respectively). The results also showed increased reach distances in ANT (p < 0.001), PM (p < 0.001), and PL directions (p < 0.001) in all participants after LMV. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that LMV may be a useful tool in rehabilitation of static and dynamic balance deficits in individuals with CAI.

The effects of kinesiophobia on postural control with chronic ankle instability.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI) often experience injury-related fear following ankle injuries, a condition known as kinesiophobia. Little research has investigated the impact of kinesiophobia in patients with CAI. RESEARCH QUESTION: How does kinesiophobia impact the static and dynamic balance of individuals with CAI? METHODS: Fifty patients with CAI were divided into 2 subgroups based on their responses to the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia: 25 with kinesiophobia (CAI-K) and 25 without kinesiophobia (CAI-N). These groups were compared to 20 control participants. All participants performed a single-leg balance test with eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC). They also performed the Y-balance test (YBT) with EO. Romberg ratios were calculated as EC/EO and used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: No differences in static balance with EO and EC were found among three groups. However, the CAI-K group displayed a higher Romberg ratio in the mediolateral direction during static balance than both CAI-N and control groups. Additionally, both CAI-K and CAI-N groups displayed higher Romberg ratio in the anterior-posterior than controls. During YBT, the CAI-K group showed reduced reach distance in the anterior direction than CAI-N and control groups. SIGNIFICANCE: The CAI-K group relies more on visual feedback during static balance in the mediolateral direction than CAI-N and control groups. Furthermore, the CAI-K group displayed less anterior reach distance during YBT compared to the CAI-N and control groups. Clinicians should consider both psychological and physical factors when designing rehabilitation programs.

The effect of perturbation training with and without applying the dry needling on leg muscles in patients with chronic ankle sprain.

INTRODUCTION: Ankle sprain is a common musculoskeletal injury that leads to recurrent instability. Repeated ankle sprain can be a mechanism for creating trigger point. Proper treatment of trigger points, in addition to preventing recurrence of sprains, may reduce pain and improve muscle function. This improvement can be the result of preserving the surrounding tissues from excessive pressure. OBJECTIVE: Investigate the added value of dry needling into perturbation training protocol for chronic ankle sprain. DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial; assessor-blind; before and after comparison. SETTING: Treatment of patients referred to the institutional rehabilitation clinics. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Functional assessment with FAAM questionnaire score, Pain with NPRS scale, ankle instability severity with Cumberland tool. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with chronic ankle instability participated in this clinical trial and were randomly divided into two groups. Intervention was 12 sessions in which one group received only perturbation training and the other group received perturbation training along with dry needling. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to investigate the effect of treatment. RESULTS: Data Analysis showed significant difference in NPRS and FAAM and Cumberland score before and after treatment in each group (P < 0.001). Comparison of the results between the groups did not show any significant difference (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings showed that adding dry needling technique to the perturbation training does not have greater effects on the pain and function of patients with chronic ankle instability.

Comparing the effects of ankle integral and conventional physiotherapy on pain, range of motion, balance, disability, and treatment effectiveness in patients with chronic ankle instability: Randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of ankle integral and conventional physiotherapy on pain, range of motion, balance, disability, and treatment effectiveness in patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI). DESIGN: Two-arm, parallel-group, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS: 60 patients with unilateral CAI. INTERVENTION: integral physiotherapy (n = 30) or conventional physiotherapy (n = 30). OUTCOMES: Visual Analog Scale (VAS), dorsiflexion and plantarflexion range of motion, Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), Single Leg Hop (SLH) test, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), Lower Extremity Functional Score (LEFS), global rating of change, were gathered pre and post-intervention. RESULTS: The ANOVA results revealed statistically significant interaction for FAOS, and LEFS outcome measures (P < 0.05) and the mean change results showed there were a favorable clinical difference incline toward the integral group (meanintegral = 20.14 (14.95-25.37), meanConventional = 29.46 (24.09-34.83)). There were no interactions between group and time among other outcome measures (P > 0.05). The group main effect did not show any statistical significance (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Hip strengthening and balance exercises added to ankle rehabilitation could be more favorable on improving the patients' functional ability.

Cross-Education Balance Effects After Unilateral Rehabilitation in Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review of existing literature on cross-education balance effects after unilateral training in the population with chronic ankle instability (CAI). DATA SOURCES: PubMed, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL Plus. STUDY SELECTION: To be included in the systematic review, studies were required to have been published in English, included participants with CAI, had participants undergo a unilateral therapeutic exercise for the lower extremity, and measured balance performance of the untrained lower extremity before and after the intervention. DATA EXTRACTION: The certainty of evidence in each included study was assessed via the Downs and Black checklist. A score of 24 to 28 indicated excellent or very low risk of bias; 19 to 23, good or low risk of bias; 14 to 18, fair or moderate risk of bias; and <14, poor or high risk of bias. We extracted information from each study regarding design, participant characteristics, inclusion criteria, independent and dependent variables, intervention, and results. Baseline and postintervention balance performance data for participants' untrained limbs were used to calculate the Hedges g effect sizes and 95% CIs. DATA SYNTHESIS: Our search returned 6 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The articles' risk of bias ranged from high to low (11-19). In 4 of 5 studies that examined unilateral balance training, the authors reported a cross-education effect. In the lone study that examined resistance training at the ankle joint, a cross-education effect was also present. Several cross-education effects were associated with large effect sizes. This systematic review was limited by a small number of studies that varied in methods and quality. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that unilateral therapeutic exercise can improve balance performance of the untrained limb of individuals with CAI. More work is needed to determine which training protocols are most effective for generating a cross-education effect.

Effectiveness of the Rehabilitation Training Combined with Maitland Mobilization for the Treatment of Chronic Ankle Instability: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The study aims to determine whether routine rehabilitation training combined with the Maitland mobilization is more effective than routine rehabilitation training alone in patients with chronic ankle instability, intending to provide a novel rehabilitation strategy for chronic ankle instability. A total of 48 subjects were divided into three groups: EG (Maitland mobilization and routine rehabilitation), CG (routine rehabilitation), and SG (sham mobilization and routine rehabilitation). The intervention was performed three times each week for 4 weeks, for a total of 12 sessions. Before and after the intervention, the muscle strength, star excursion balance test (SEBT), weight-bearing dorsiflexion range of motion (WB-DFROM), ankle range of movement, Cumberland ankle instability tool (CAIT), self-comfort visual analog scale (SCS-VAS), and self-induced stability scale (SISS-VAS) were assessed. The results showed that the improvement of SEBT, WB-DFROM, and active ankle range of movement without the pain in EG was more obvious than CG and SG, but the improvement of the self-report of ankle severity and muscle strength was not. Compared with routine rehabilitation training alone, routine rehabilitation training combined with Maitland mobilization for patients with chronic ankle instability may provide more benefit in terms of balance and ankle range of movement than routine rehabilitation alone, but the improvement in muscle strength was not evident enough.

Predicting the success of multimodal rehabilitation in chronic ankle instability based on patient-reported outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to identify potential indicators to predict the success of multimodal rehabilitation in chronic ankle instability (CAI) patients based on patient-reported outcomes. METHODS: Sixty patients with self-reported CAI participated. Their demographic information, injury history, and symptoms were recorded. Physical examinations and dynamic posture control tests were performed. The participants underwent sixteen 30-min treatment sessions of multimodal rehabilitation over 8 weeks. Fifty-one patients (85.0%) were available for follow-up after 8 weeks of the intervention. Treatment success was defined based on the participants' perceived recovery using the global rating of change (GRC). Potential predictor variables were entered into a stepwise logistic regression model to identify variables for the prediction of treatment success. RESULTS: Forty of 51 participants (78.4%) were considered to have a successful outcome. Of the variables assessed, time since last sprain ≤ 8 months was a predictor of treatment success (p < 0.05). If a patient met the criteria, there was an 88.03% probability of successful multimodal rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: A time since the last sprain ≤ 8 months may predict successful patient-reported outcomes after multimodal rehabilitation in CAI patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prospective study, Level 2.

Arthroscopic Bankart Procedure: Clinical Outcomes with a Minimum Follow-Up of 10 Years / Cirurgia de Bankart artroscópica: Resultados clínicos com seguimento mínimo de 10 anos

Abstract Objective To evaluate the functional outcome of patients submitted to arthroscopic Bankart repair in the long-term. Methods Retrospective evaluation of 41 patients (45 shoulders) operated between 1996 and 2009 followed-up for a mean period of 14.89 years. Functional scores were analyzed by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Carter-Rowe scores, physical examination, and analysis of medical records. Results The Carter-Rowe score showed an average improvement of 46.11 points, with a final average of 85.89 points, and the UCLA score showed an average improvement of 31.33 points. Ten patients (22.22%) relapsed, with the number of preoperative dislocations being the most correlated factor. Conclusion It was demonstrated that the number of preoperative dislocations negatively influenced the failure rate.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar o desfecho funcional dos pacientes submetidos ao reparo de Bankart artroscópico no longo prazo. Métodos Avaliação retrospectiva de 41 pacientes (45 ombros) operados entre 1996 e 2009 acompanhados por um período médio de 14,89 anos. Foram feitas análises das pontuações funcionais de University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) e Carter-Rowe, exame físico e análises de prontuários. Resultados O escore Carter-Rowe apresentou melhora média de 46,11 pontos, com média final de 85,89 pontos, e o UCLA apresentou melhora de 31,33 pontos. Um total de 10 pacientes (22,22%) apresentou recidiva, sendo o número de luxações pré- operatórias o fator mais correlacionado. Conclusão Foi demonstrado que o número de luxações pré-operatórias influenciou negativamente na taxa de falha.

Can Therapeutic Exercises Improve Proprioception in Chronic Ankle Instability? A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess exercise therapies that aim to enhance proprioception in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI). DATA SOURCES: Five databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and EBSCO) were searched in October 2021. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials involving exercise therapy conducted on individuals with CAI were included. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were extracted by 2 independent reviewers using a standardized form. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. DATA SYNTHESIS: The end trial weighted mean difference and standard deviations were analyzed, and the synthetic value for the improvement in error scores of ankle joint position sense in multiple directions was evaluated. RESULTS: Eleven trials with 333 participants were eligible for inclusion in this systematic review and were included in the network meta-analysis. Foot and ankle muscle strengthening exercise showed the highest probability of being among the best treatments (surface under the cumulative ranking [SUCRA]=74.6%). The next 2 were static balance exercise only (SUCRA=67.9%) and corrective exercise (SUCRA=56.1%). The SUCRA values of proprioceptive exercise, dynamic balance exercise only, aquatic exercise, rehabilitation exercise with brace, mixed static/dynamic balance exercise, and control were at relatively low levels and scored at 49.6%, 48.8%, 47.8%, 47.7%, 44.0%, and 13.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Foot and ankle muscle strengthening exercise may have a good effect when used to improve joint position sense in individuals with CAI. The more complex balance exercise intervention becomes, the less effective the proprioceptive outcome.

Overhead arm positioning in the rehabilitation of elbow dislocations: An in vitro biomechanical study.

STUDY DESIGN: In vitro biomechanical study. INTRODUCTION: Elbow stiffness is a common complication following elbow dislocation. Overhead exercises have been proposed to initiate early motion to reduce stiffness through employing gravity to stabilize the elbow. The implications of this position with regard to elbow kinematics after dislocation have not been reported. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To determine the influence of the overhead position on elbow stability following combined medial and lateral collateral ligament (MCL and LCL) injuries. METHODS: Passive and simulated active extension were performed on 11 cadaveric elbows with the arm in the overhead, dependent, and horizontal positions and with the forearm in pronation, neutral, and supination. Internal-external rotation (IER) and varus-valgus angulation (VVA) of the ulnohumeral joint were assessed for the intact elbow and after simulated MCL-LCL injury. Repeated-measures analyses of variance were conducted to analyze the effects of elbow state, arm position, forearm rotation, and extension angle. RESULTS: During passive extension with the arm overhead, the pronated position resulted in more internal rotation than supination (-2.6 ± 0.7°, P = .03). There was no effect of forearm rotation on VVA. The overhead position increased internal rotation relative to the dependent position when the forearm was neutral (-8.5 ± 2.5°, P = .04) and relative to the horizontal position when the forearm was supinated (-12.7 ± 2.2°, P= .02). During active extension, pronation increased valgus angle compared to the neutral (+1.2 ± 0.3°, P= .04) and supinated (+1.5 ± 0.4°, P= .03) positions, but did not affect IER. There was no difference between active and passive motion with the arm overhead (P > .05). DISCUSSION: Movement of the injured elbow in the overhead position most closely replicated kinematics of the intact elbow compared to the other arm positions. CONCLUSIONS: Overhead elbow extension results in similar kinematics between an intact elbow and an elbow with MCL and LCL tears. As such, therapists might consider early motion in this position to reduce the risk of elbow stiffness after dislocation.

Team Approach: Treatment of Shoulder Instability in Athletes.

¼: Shoulder instability is a complex problem with a high rate of recurrence in athletes. Treatment of a first-time subluxation or dislocation event is controversial and depends on patient-specific factors as well as the identified pathology. ¼: Athletic trainers and physical therapists are an integral part of the treatment team of an in-season athlete who has experienced a shoulder instability event. Through comprehensive physiological assessments, these providers can effectively suggest modifications to the patient's training regimen as well as an appropriate rehabilitation program. ¼: Surgical intervention for shoulder stabilization should use an individualized approach for technique and timing. ¼: A team-based approach is necessary to optimize the care of this high-demand, high-risk population.

Subjective assessment reported by patients shows differences between single-bundle and double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, systematic review and meta-analysis.

To determine the functional recovery, active reincorporation, and anteroposterior and rotational stability of patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using arthroscopy techniques with simple-bundle (SB) or double-bundle (DB). The following databases were searched: PubMed, Embase (Elsevier platform), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Wiley platform), Web of Science, and CINAHL. Level I and II studies involving anterior cruciate ligament arthroscopy were included in the search. Records were screened by title and abstract and assessed the risk of bias of selected studies. Meta-analyses using RevMan 5.3 software were conducted on the following outcomes: knee functionality, objective measurements of knee stability, rotational knee stability and knee anterior stability, sports reincorporation, and subjective assessments. Twenty-four studies of patients undergoing ACL reconstruction were included in the qualitative and quantitative synthesis (1707 patients) for Lysholm score, Subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Tegner score, KT-1000/2000, Lachman test, Objective IKDC score, and Pivot-Shift test. A return to pre-injury level showed a significant decrease in the Lysholm score (mean difference, - 0.99; 95% CI - 1.71 to - 0.40; P = 0.007) and Tegner score (mean difference, - 0.07; 95% CI, - 0.13 to - 0.01; P = 0.02) at DB reconstruction, similar to the knee functionality outcome of the subjective IKDC score (mean difference - 1.42; 95% CI - 2.46 to - 0.38; P = 0.007). There is no clear or significant difference in clinical stability and knee function or in sports incorporation with the true difference occurring in the subjective assessment.

Pain Management through Neurocognitive Therapeutic Exercises in Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain.

BACKGROUND: The hypermobile type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) is likely the most common hereditary disorder of connective tissue mainly characterized by joint hypermobility. Patients with hEDS suffer joint pain, in particular low back pain, commonly resistant to drug therapy. The aim of this research was to evaluate a neurocognitive rehabilitation approach based not only on the motion and function recovery but also on the pain management. METHODS: In this nonrandomized clinical trial, eighteen hEDS patients (4 males and 14 females) with mean age 21 years (range 13-55) were recruited and evaluated before and after three months of rehabilitation treatment. RESULTS: The outcome scores showed significant statistical results after treatment in reducing pain symptoms (numerical rating scale, P = 0.003; McGill (total score), P = 0.03), fatigue (fatigue severity scale, P = 0.03), fear of movement (Tampa scale, P = 0.003), and pain-associated disability (Oswestry disability index, P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: The clinical results observed in our study seem to confirm the role of a specific neurocognitive rehabilitation program in the chronic pain management in the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome; the rehabilitation treatment should be tailored on patient problems and focused not only in the recovery of movement but also on pain perception.

Postoperative Rehabilitation of Anterior Glenohumeral Joint Instability Surgery: A Systematic Review.

Anterior glenohumeral instability is the most common form of shoulder instability. The systematic review summarizes the latest research on rehabilitation after Bankart repair. Inclusion criteria included postoperative rehabilitation and published in English between 2000 and 2019. Studies were excluded if they were addresses, comments, or editorials, or included other shoulder injuries or cadaver models. Two rounds of review using Rayyan QCRI software were performed for screening and full text search, and the articles were graded for levels of evidence. Of the 1982 articles, 14 articles were included with levels of evidence 1 through 4. Both arthroscopic and open Bankart repair have demonstrated improving functional outcomes and reducing recurrence rates of anterior shoulder instability. Accelerated postoperative rehabilitation may be comparable to a conventional protocol for arthroscopic repair, and the subscapularis musculature involvement during open repair can impact the timeframe. Strong evidence supports 4 phases of rehabilitation and future clinical trials are needed to compare different programs.

Postoperative Rehabilitation of Multidirectional Instability Surgery: A Systematic Review.

Multidirectional instability (MDI) of the shoulder is managed with surgery when conservative rehabilitation fails. The optimal postsurgical management of MDI is not well understood. The purpose of this study is to create a systematic review evaluating postsurgical rehabilitation protocols treating MDI. Articles were included if a postsurgical rehabilitation protocol was described following surgical treatment for MDI. Identified articles underwent 2 phases of screening by blinded team members. Remaining articles had their level of evidence determined by a predefined grading system, ranging from levels I to V. Articles with evidence levels I to IV were included in analysis. Of the 163 articles identified in the literature, 9 were included in this study. Surgical techniques examined in these articles include capsular plication, rotator interval closure, and capsular shift. Rehabilitation protocols were evaluated for duration of treatment and physical therapy modalities. Article results were evaluated for subjective and objective measures of protocol success. Overall, there is a lack of evidence to indicate the optimal rehabilitation protocol post-MDI surgery. Further research is needed to compare rehabilitation protocols following specific surgical procedures to determine their effect on postsurgical patient outcomes.

Postoperative Rehabilitation of Posterior Glenohumeral Joint Instability Surgery: A Systematic Review.

Posterior glenohumeral (GH) joint instability is uncommon compared with anterior and multidirectional instability. A variety of surgical techniques are used to treat posterior GH instability. As a result, there are numerous rehabilitation protocols that vary greatly. The objective of this review was to define, evaluate and compare the postsurgical rehabilitation protocols for patients treated surgically for posterior GH instability. The review contains articles that outline a rehabilitation protocol following a surgical repair of posterior GH instability. A multidatabase search was conducted. Two independent, blinded reviewers decided on inclusion and exclusion of each study, with a second round to resolve conflicts. Data was extracted from the pertinent studies after the grading of evidence was conducted by 2 reviewers. Sixteen studies of the original 859 were included. Most studies included a 3-phase to 4-phase protocol that consisted of immobilization, remobilization, strength training, and sport-specific training. A review of current literature shows a paucity of high-quality studies regarding outcomes of rehabilitation following surgery for posterior GH instability. Most studies had favorable results, with most patients returning to their presurgical level of activity.

Postoperative Rehabilitation of Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability: A Systematic Review.

Chronic lateral ankle instability often causes adults to require a surgical intervention with subsequent physical therapy to assist with returning to their prior level of function. This systematic review is hoping to provide an up to date understanding of surgical procedures performed to correct chronic lateral ankle instability and establish a protocol for others to follow when treating adults who are status-post chronic lateral ankle instability surgery. This review looked at level I to III research studies that included surgical interventions to correct chronic lateral ankle instability as well as a rehabilitation protocol. This study found implementation of a rehabilitation protocol after surgical intervention could improve balance and subjective functional outcomes. It also determined that early weight-bearing may allow for early strengthening as range of motion returns faster. Further research is required utilizing larger randomized studies to better evaluate the outcomes of specific rehabilitation protocols in this patient population.

The effects of stroboscopic balance training on cortical activities in athletes with chronic ankle instability.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of a 6-week stroboscopic balance training program on cortical activities in athletes with chronic ankle instability. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Single-center. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-nine participants were assigned to the strobe group (SG, n = 13), non-strobe group (NSG, n = 13), and control group (CG, n = 13). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cortical activity and balance velocity were evaluated while the athletes were on the HUBER balance device. Electroencephalographic measurements of cortical activity were made at the transition from bipedal stance to single-leg stance. RESULTS: The SG showed significant increases in Cz theta and alpha values and COP-v (center of pressure velocity) between pretest and posttest (p < 0.001, p = 0.003, p < 0.001). Posttest Cz theta was significantly higher in the SG compared to the CG (p = 0.009) and posttest Cz alpha was significantly higher in the SG compared to the NSG (p = 0.039) and CG (p = 0.001). Posttest COP-v was significantly higher in the SG than in the CG (p = 0.031) and NSG (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Stroboscopic training may be clinically beneficial to improve balance parameters in athletes with CAI, and may have utility in sport-specific activity phases of rehabilitation to reduce visual input and increase motor control.