Actively Recruiting
Effects of Ankle Evertor Fatigue on Force Sense and Neuromuscular Activation During Submaximal Isometric Contractions in Individuals With and Without Chronic Ankle Instability
Led by University of Ljubljana · Updated on 2026-04-29
50
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
2 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research investigates how fatigue in the ankle evertor muscles affects force perception and neuromuscular activation during submaximal isometric contractions. It compares these effects between people with chronic ankle instability (CAI) and those without this condition. The study aims to better understand differences in muscle function related to CAI. Participants will undergo a familiarization session followed by an experimental protocol lasting 45 to 60 minutes. Testing is done on an isokinetic dynamometer focusing on the side affected by CAI or the leg with lower stability in cases of bilateral CAI. The protocol includes measuring maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and performing force-matching tasks at 25% and 50% of MVIC before and after a fatigue protocol consisting of repeated ankle eversion contractions at 30% MVIC until visible fatigue. During the study visit, participants will perform tasks involving visual feedback and muscle contractions, followed by muscle fatigue exercises. Researchers will measure errors in force matching (constant, absolute, variable), coefficient of variation in force, surface electromyography (EMG) of ankle muscles, median frequency of the peroneus longus muscle, maximal contraction strength, and perceived exertion. All assessments occur before and immediately after the fatigue protocol within a single day.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Effects of Ankle Evertor Fatigue on Force Sense and Neuromuscular Activation in Subjects With Chronic Ankle Instability
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age between 18 and 45 years
- No history of injuries or surgical procedures to the lower limbs (healthy group)
- No peripheral or central neurological impairments (healthy group)
- Diagnosed chronic ankle instability with first ankle sprain at least one year ago (CAI group)
- At least three months since the most recent ankle sprain (CAI group)
- Subjective feeling of ankle instability with CAIT score less than 24 (CAI group)
- No history of major surgical procedures on the lower limbs (CAI group)
You will not qualify if you...
- Other pathologies of the ankle joint (CAI group)
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Approximately 1 to 2 hours on a single day
Participants undergo familiarization with the research protocol, followed by initial measurements of ankle evertor force sense and neuromuscular activation.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Approximately 45 to 60 minutes on the same day as initial measurements
Participants perform a fatigue protocol of the ankle evertors followed by repeated force-matching tasks to assess changes immediately post-fatigue.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Faculty of Health Sciences
Ljubljana, Slovenia, 1000
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Alan Kacin, PhD, PT, Prof
T
Tjaž Brezovar
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
2
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