Quantitative postural sway assessment by computerized dynamic posturography in athletes with chronic ankle sprain and normal subjects in Kuwait

ABSTRACT

To identify quantitative postural sway assessed by unilateral stance test using computerized dynamic posturography in athletes with chronic ankle sprain and normal subjects in Kuwait. Retrospective case control study. Sports and balance clinics, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Hospital, Ministry of Health, Kuwait. Twenty six male athletes suffering from chronic ankle sprain and twenty two healthy individuals as a control group well-matched for age and sex were included in this study. Clinical assessment and computerized dynamic posturography. Mean centre of gravity [COG] sway velocity which displays COG stability with eyes open and eyes closed was computerized and assessed. A significant increase of mean [ +/- SD] COG sway velocity on left or right leg standing with eyes open and eyes closed of athletes with chronic ankle sprain as compared to control group was found [p< 0.05]. In addition, the mean [ +/- SD] percentage difference scores with eyes open and eyes closed in athletes with chronic ankle sprain was higher compared to control group [p<0.001]. Patients with chronic ankle sprain have a higher COG sway velocity and impaired postural sway compared to normal subjects. The unilateral stance test may be used to identify quantitative postural sway and balance in chronic ankle sprain. The ligamentous damage, ankle muscle strength deficits and proprioception deficits at the ankle joint may explain poor balance in ankle sprain