Role of Sensory Deficits and the Effect of Sensory Stimulation on Sensorimotor Control and Neuromuscular Performance in Athletes With Chronic Ankle Instability

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying chronic ankle instability (CAI), a condition often seen in athletes that causes repeated ankle sprains and feelings of the ankle giving way. This study aims to explore how CAI affects both peripheral and central sensory and motor control systems, focusing on the role of the somatosensory cortex. The study also evaluates the effects of sensory-level electrical stimulation combined with exercise on neurophysiological responses and neuromuscular performance in athletes with CAI. The study is conducted over three years. The first year compares sensory and motor functions between 45 young adults with CAI and 15 healthy controls using tests such as somatosensory evoked potentials, EEG, EMG, proprioception, and balance assessments. In the second year, the 45 participants with CAI are randomly assigned to receive 40 minutes of sensory electrical stimulation, sham stimulation, or rest, with assessments conducted before and after intervention. The third year involves randomizing participants into groups receiving neuromuscular training combined with either sensory stimulation, sham stimulation, or exercise alone, with five sessions over two weeks and evaluations before and after treatment. Participants will attend multiple assessment sessions including neurophysiological measurements with EEG and EMG, proprioception tests, sensory discrimination, and balance tests. Researchers will measure cortical activation, proprioception, two-point discrimination, and ankle range of motion to understand the effects of CAI and the interventions. The study includes safety and functional evaluations, with results intended to improve management and prevention strategies for athletes with unstable ankles. Total participant age range is 18 to 40 years, and the study includes healthy volunteers.

Role of Sensory Deficits on Sensorimotor Control in Athletes With Chronic Ankle Instability