Thesis (M.S.)--Springfield College, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references.

The focus of this study was to determine the balance measures most sensitive and accurate in detecting balance deficits associated with functional ankle instability (FAI). Subjects consisted of those with a history of ankle sprains and resultant symptoms of giving way (N=17; Height=167.72±9.11 cm; Mass=67.81±12.29 kg; Age=23.35±3.62 yrs) and subjects without a history of ankle injuries (N=17; Height=168.16±8.32 cm; Mass=66.22±12.35 kg; Age=23.35±3.26 yrs). Data collection consisted of each subject performing static and dynamic balance tests. Static stability was assessed with force plate measures, the Balance Error Scoring System, foot lift test, and time-in-balance test. Dynamic stability was assessed with the Star Excursion Balance Test, side hop test, and figure-of-eight hop test. Significant receiver operating characteristic curves and therefore cutoff scores were found for the foot lift test (P=0.011; cutoff=4.84 foot lifts), time-in-balance test (P=0.020; cutoff=41.23 s), center-of-pressure velocity (P=0.026; cutoff=1.56 cm/s), anterior-posterior time-to-boundary standard deviation of the minima (P=0.054; cutoff=3.72 s), posteromedial reach direction of the Star Excursion Balance Test (P=0.039; cutoff=0.91 normalized to leg length) and side hop test (P=0.044; cutoff=12.88 s). The associated positive (≥2) and negative (≤0.05) likelihood ratios with each cutoff score indicated that changes in positive and negative posttest probabilities from the pretest probability of 50% were small, yet significant. Essentially, the significant change between pretest and posttest probabilities indicates that clinically relevant information was gained by conducting these balance measure because they quantified a high proportion of individuals with a positive test who have FAI and a low proportion of individuals with a negative test who have FAI. No significance was found for the Balance Error Scoring System (P=0.249), center-of-pressure area (P=0.547), anteromedial (P=0.134) and medial (P=0.125) reach directions of the Star Excursion Balance Test, and the figure-of-eight hop test (P=0.117). In conclusion, we found the foot lift test, time-in-balance test, center-of-pressure velocity, anterior-posterior time-to-boundary standard deviation of the minima, posteromedial reach direction of the Star Excursion Balance Test, and the side hop test to be sensitive and accurate balance measures for detecting balance deficits associated with FAI. We suggest utilizing these measures and their cutoff scores to evaluate balance deficits associated with FAI.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Delaware, 2009. / Principal faculty advisor: Charles B. Swanik, Dept. of Health, Nutrition, & Exercise Sciences. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Drexel University, 2009. / Includes abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 164-170).

Thesis (Ph.D)--Virginia Commonwealth University, 2009. / Prepared for: Dept. of Health and Human Performance. Title from title-page of electronic thesis. Advisor: Scott Ross Bibliography: leaves 115-127.

Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 2003. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains vi, 55 p. : ill. (some col.). Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references.

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The original purpose of this investigation was to determine if soccer players who performed an agility training program in a specialized training shoe would have a lower incidence of acute ankle sprains as compared to controls. Two elite male college soccer teams participated in the study. The experimental team performed an agility training program two to three days per week over a three month period wearing the Nike Free Trainer. Data on ankle sprain incidence throughout the season was collected, as well as scores on tests of ankle strength, static balance, dynamic balance, agility and self-reports of ankle function. These scores were compared to those of the control team. Statistical analysis showed a statistically significant improvement in the experimental team members in the anteromedial reach direction of the dynamic balance test (p=0.001). This group also showed positive trends in ankle strength ratio and five of the eight other reach directions of the dynamic balance test. Unfortunately, pre-test, post-test statistical analysis was possible for only half of the experimental team subjects. Post-test data was not generated for the other half of these subjects due to unrelated injury or subject noncompliance. Lack of pre-test data due to subject non-compliance in the control team hindered between group statistical comparisons. This study uncovered promising trends as to the potential for gains in dynamic balance as a result of agility training with Nike Free Trainer. This study also established the reliability of three clinical tests of ankle strength, static balance and dynamic balance. Future well-designed studies are recommended to research this area further to discern the effect of this agility training program on dynamic balance and establish its’ effect on ankle sprain incidence.

The response of the human talocrural articulation to internal and external torques was investigated in an in vitro study. Experimental and theoretical methods were used to evaluate this response in terms of (1) displacement between the tibia and the talus, (2) tension in the major ligamentous structures of the joint, and (3) stresses in the bones of the talocrural joint mortise. The experimental investigation involved the design and fabrication of several testing and measurement instruments, including a three-dimensional joint loading apparatus, a six degrees-of-freedom displacement measuring device, and several implantable, non-destructive ligament tension transducers. The stress distribution in the talocrural mortise was estimated using a three-dimensional finite element model with simulated physiological loading conditions. / The effects of the talocrural joint flexion angle, the subtalar joint angle, and the amount of weightbearing across the joint were examined. The results showed a varying joint behavior for the same torque application across the range of variables studied. Based on the experimental and theoretical findings, a mechanism for the talocrural joint response to torque was proposed. In addition, the results have been discussed in terms of their clinical significance.

The original purpose of this investigation was to determine if soccer players who performed an agility training program in a specialized training shoe would have a lower incidence of acute ankle sprains as compared to controls. Two elite male college soccer teams participated in the study. The experimental team performed an agility training program two to three days per week over a three month period wearing the Nike Free Trainer. Data on ankle sprain incidence throughout the season was collected, as well as scores on tests of ankle strength, static balance, dynamic balance, agility and self-reports of ankle function. These scores were compared to those of the control team. Statistical analysis showed a statistically significant improvement in the experimental team members in the anteromedial reach direction of the dynamic balance test (p=0.001). This group also showed positive trends in ankle strength ratio and five of the eight other reach directions of the dynamic balance test. Unfortunately, pre-test, post-test statistical analysis was possible for only half of the experimental team subjects. Post-test data was not generated for the other half of these subjects due to unrelated injury or subject noncompliance. Lack of pre-test data due to subject non-compliance in the control team hindered between group statistical comparisons. This study uncovered promising trends as to the potential for gains in dynamic balance as a result of agility training with Nike Free Trainer. This study also established the reliability of three clinical tests of ankle strength, static balance and dynamic balance. Future well-designed studies are recommended to research this area further to discern the effect of this agility training program on dynamic balance and establish its’ effect on ankle sprain incidence.