Neurophysiology of Ankle Instability

Enrolling by invitation · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Ankle Injuries

In brief

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a common debilitating orthopedic condition that disrupts physical function and decreases quality of life. Not all CAI is the same. It can be mechanical ligamentous laxity, perceived disability often referred to as functional instability, or a combination of the two. However, clinicians and researchers most often combine all chronic ankle instability patients without considering these sub-groups, which may account for poor recovery and recurrence. The objective of this research is to determine functional and neurophysiological differences between sub-groups of CAI to allow for development of evidence-based rehabilitation which may improve patient outcomes. To accomplish this, the study will determine the differences among CAI sub-groups on performance of a traditional side-hop test and neurocognitive hop test, determine differences in neurophysiological response and motor control between CAI sub-groups during a lower limb and an ankle specific task, and determine the underlying neurophysiological effects of a 4-week neurocognitively enhanced balance training protocol among CAI subgroups. Time to complete each of the hop tests, cortical activation during the balance and force control tasks, and neurocognitive performance will be assessed to determine differences in performance and neurological function among subgroups of CAI

Key facts

Study ID

NCT06576687

Run by

University of Nebraska

People needed

42

Starts

2025-10-30

Expected to finish

2027-09-01

Last updated by the study team

2026-02-17

Who can join

Age: 19 and older, up to 45. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• All participants must be physically active (participation in at least 90 total minutes of activity/week including running, walking, lifting weights, or playing a sport, etc.)
• Healthy controls:
• no history of lateral ankle sprain
• no complaints of their ankle giving way
• a Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) score greater than 28
• Coper participants (participants coping with ankle problems:
• a history of lateral ankle sprain, but no episodes of giving way in previous 12 months
• CAIT score greater than 28
• Chronic ankle instability (CAI):
• history of ankle sprain
• two or more episodes of ankle giving way in previous 12 months
• CAIT score less than 25

You may not qualify if…

• History of lower extremity surgery or fracture
• Current signs or symptoms of a joint sprain in the lower extremity
• Pregnancy
• Diagnosis of a vestibular disorder
• Diagnosis of a nerve or connective tissue disorder
• Significant history of condition that impaired cognitive function such as concussion or learning disability
• Currently taking medications that may affect cognitive function such as narcotics, anti-depressants, anti-anxiety agents, or stimulants

Where it is running

• University of Nebraska-Omaha, Biomechanics Research Building — Omaha, Nebraska, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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