The effects of functional electrical stimulation training on muscle reaction time in chronic ankle instability

Ankle injuries are common musculoskeletal injuries among both the general population and athletes. Athletes are twice as likely to suffer another ankle sprain within a year of an initial sprain. Recurrent sprains can lead to persistent pain, a sensation of instability, and the ankle giving way. The term used to describe these conditions is chronic ankle instability (CAI). A crucial element in maintaining the stability of the ankle joint is the peroneal muscle's ability to effectively protect the ankle from excessive inversion. The onset of peroneal muscle activation, which leads to ankle eversion and assists in the prevention of lateral ankle sprains, has been evaluated through sudden inversion perturbation. This method measures the time interval between stimulation and the onset of muscle response, referred to as peroneal reaction time (PRT). A delayed peroneal reaction time indicates chronic ankle instability. It is essential to develop a rehabilitation programme aimed at reducing delayed muscle reaction time in individuals with chronic ankle instability to prevent further sprains. [Continues ...]