This study examined the joint loads and muscle forces during landing in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) compared to those without CAI. The findings revealed that individuals with CAI had lower ankle joint loads and reduced muscle force contributions, particularly from the soleus muscle. These altered loading patterns during landing may increase the risk of ankle joint degeneration in CAI patients.
Chronic ankle instability (CAI) affects joint loads during landing by altering muscle forces and subsequently reducing ankle joint loads in all directions. Individuals with CAI exhibit lower compressive, posterior, and lateral ankle joint loads compared to uninjured controls while landing.
During landing for individuals with CAI, the muscle force contributions that are reduced include the medial gastrocnemius and soleus muscles during the 1st peak in the compressive joint contact force (JCF), as well as the soleus muscle during the 2nd peak in the posterior and lateral JCF.
The altered loading patterns observed in CAI patients during landing may have potential implications for ankle joint degeneration. These altered loading patterns, characterized by lower compressive, posterior, and lateral ankle joint loads, may contribute to abnormal stress distribution within the joint and potentially accelerate the degenerative process.
Source: Jang J, Pietrosimone BG, Lin FC, Franz,JR, Wikstrom EA. Muscle Contributions and Ankle Joint Contact Forces Are Altered During Drop Vertical Jumps Landings in Patients With Chronic Ankle Instability. J Athl Train. 2023;58(6S):115.
