Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI Lab)

CAI

repeated giving way or recurrent sprains after a lateral ankle sprain. mainly involves the atfl and cfl. affects 40-70% of people with prior sprains

mechanical vs functional instability

mechanical is ligament laxity or damage. functional is a deficit in neuromuscular control or balance

study 1a (spatiotemporal): CAI vs control

decrease in velocity, cadence, and step/stride length. increases the base of support. increases stance and double-limb support. decreases swing and single-limb support. these are cautious gait strategies

study 1b (ankle angles)

CAI showed more inversion around toe-off and swing, and less dorsiflexion, especially when jogging

clinical meaning

a more inverted foot near ground contact raises re-sprain risk, so target eversion strength, proprioception, and balance in rehab