Ankle Instability, Healthy Controls
Conditions
Brief summary
The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the immediate and short-term effects of the Graded Motor Imagery (GMI) method on individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI). In this context, the effects of the Graded Motor Imagery intervention on pain level, muscle stiffness, muscle strength, functional performance, and subjective instability level will be investigated. Additionally, these effects will be comparatively analyzed with an age- and sex-matched control group consisting of healthy individuals.
Interventions
OTHERgraded motor imagery
The Graded Motor Imagery (GMI) program will be applied six consecutive days nd will consist of three progressive stages: Laterality Training: Participants will perform right-left ankle discrimination tasks using validated foot and ankle images. Accuracy and response time will be recorded. Motor Imagery: Participants will mentally rehearse ankle movements such as dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, and eversion without performing the motion. Imagery tasks will progress from simple movements to functional patterns based on tolerance. Mirror Therapy: A mirror will be placed in the midsagittal plane, allowing participants to view the reflection of the non-affected ankle while performing movements. The visual illusion of normal movement is intended to improve motor control and proprioception.
Sponsors
Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa
Study design
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 40 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Aged between 18 and 40 years. * Diagnosed with chronic ankle instability (CAIT ≤ 24). * History of an acute ankle sprain occurring more than 3 months prior to enrollment. * Has not received ankle rehabilitation treatment. * Voluntarily participated in this study
Exclusion criteria
* Vestibular or neurological disorders * Other lower extremity injuries * History of surgery
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Subjective Instability (CAIT) | baseline | A valid-reliable questionnaire that questions the perceived instability in daily life and sports activities. Clinical Significance: ≥ 3 point increase is considered clinically significant |
| Ground Reaction Force & Static Balance (ForceDecks) | baseline | Device: ForceDecks dual force platform. 1. Single-Leg Jump Test\* Values: Net vertical ground reaction force (N·kg-¹), flight time (ms), asymmetry (%). 2. Single-Leg Static Balance\* Values: Total sway path (mm), ellipse area (mm²). Clinical Importance:\* Captures short-term changes in neuromuscular control and explosive strength in a detailed manner. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle Stiffness (Myoton PRO) | baseline | Tonic stiffness (N·m-¹) reflects the passive mechanical properties of muscle tissue. The device applies a 0.4 N mechanical impulse to the skin and records the resulting tissue oscillation response. In this study, data will be recorded as the average of 3 impulses. Clinical Importance: Acute changes in stiffness are considered an indirect indicator of neuroplastic responses in proprioception and motor control. |
| Muscle Strength Assessment - Isokinetic dynamometer (Isoforce) | baseline | Parameter: Concentric inversion-eversion peak torque (Nm) at 60°·s-¹ Objectively measures agonist-antagonist muscle performance around the ankle joint. Clinical Significance:\* Improvements in strength contribute to functional stability and a reduced risk of re-injury. |
| Pain Level | baseline | Visual Analog Scale (VAS, 0-10 cm): 0 = "no pain," 10 = "unbearable pain"; the participant marks the scale before and after the session. |
| Functional Performance | baseline | Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) Parameter: Normalized reach distance in three primary directions (anteromedial, medial, posteromedial), expressed as a percentage of leg length. Clinical Significance: Assesses dynamic balance and lateral load-transfer capacity; asymmetries in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) may serve as prognostic indicators. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Contacts
CONTACTSEDA ATEŞ, Bachelor degree
STUDY_DIRECTORSEZEN KARABÖRKLÜ ARGUT, Assistant Professor, PhD
Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Faculty of Health Sciences
Outcome results
None listed