Inter-limb asymmetry of kinetic and electromyographic during walking in patients with chronic ankle instability

Abstract After an initial ankle sprain, a relevant number of participants develop chronic ankle instability (CAI). Compensatory strategies in patients with CAI may change the inter-limb symmetry needed for absorbing movement-related forces. Accordingly, an increased risk of injury can occur. The present study aimed to compare the inter-limb asymmetry of kinetic and electromyography between individuals with CAI and without a history of an ankle sprain (Non-CAI) during walking. In this cross-sectional study, fifty-six athletes (28 CAI; 28 Non-CAI) participated. Participants walked at a comfortable pace over level ground while vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) and muscle activity of the tibialis anterior, peroneus longus, medial gastrocnemius, and gluteus medius were recorded. Inter-limb asymmetry during walking was calculated for each of the variables. Patients with CAI exhibited a greater inter-limb asymmetry of the first peak of vGRF, time to peak vGRF, and loading rate (P