This prospective cohort tracked 82 patients after a first-time lateral ankle sprain to learn who develops chronic ankle instability. Patients completed balance, jumping, and landing tasks at 2 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months. The goal was to find which early motor-control deficits predict chronic instability versus full recovery (coper status).
When a patient returns 6 months after a first ankle sprain, screen them with the Star Excursion Balance Test and the FAAM-ADL subscale. A low FAAM-ADL score (CAI group averaged 89% vs 97% in copers) and poor SEBT reach with reduced hip/knee/ankle flexion together predict chronic instability with 85% accuracy.
The key teaching point is that chronic ankle instability is not just a loose ligament. The deficits are bilateral and involve the hip and knee, pointing to altered central motor control rather than a structural block, since dorsiflexion ROM did not predict outcome.
This supports the board concept that proprioceptive and neuromuscular training, applied to both limbs and the whole kinetic chain, is central to preventing recurrence. Use these simple, clinic-accessible tools to identify high-risk patients early and target rehabilitation before chronic symptoms set in.
This prospective cohort tracked 82 patients after a first-time lateral ankle sprain to learn who develops chronic ankle instability. Patients completed balance, jumping, and landing tasks at 2 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months. The goal was to find which early motor-control deficits predict chronic instability versus full recovery (coper status).
When a patient returns 6 months after a first ankle sprain, screen them with the Star Excursion Balance Test and the FAAM-ADL subscale. A low FAAM-ADL score (CAI group averaged 89% vs 97% in copers) and poor SEBT reach with reduced hip/knee/ankle flexion together predict chronic instability with 85% accuracy.
The key teaching point is that chronic ankle instability is not just a loose ligament. The deficits are bilateral and involve the hip and knee, pointing to altered central motor control rather than a structural block, since dorsiflexion ROM did not predict outcome.
This supports the board concept that proprioceptive and neuromuscular training, applied to both limbs and the whole kinetic chain, is central to preventing recurrence. Use these simple, clinic-accessible tools to identify high-risk patients early and target rehabilitation before chronic symptoms set in.