Neuromuscular electrical stimulation improves frontal ankle motor control in individuals with chronic ankle instability during drop-landing
Huifen Zheng, Fei Tian, Wei Sun, Longpo Zheng, Weihua Xiao- Rehabilitation
- Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
Abstract
Objective
This study investigated the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on the frontal ankle motor control in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) during drop-landing.
Design
This was a randomized, controlled, double-blind trial. Thirty-six individuals with CAI were randomly assigned to each group. Participants received 6-week NMES intervention and sham stimulation in the NMES and control groups, respectively. Data was collected at week0 and week6. A mixed-effects model and analysis of covariance were employed to investigate the between-group differences in continuous and discrete outcome variables at week6, with the outcome variables at week0 as covariates.
Results
Compared to control group, NMES group exhibited a 2.66° (2.45, 2.86) reduction in frontal ankle inversion angle, a 47.41°/s (–16.05, –78.77) decrease in peak ankle inversion angular velocity, and a 0.43 Nm/kg (0.18, 0.68) increase in peak ankle eversion moment during drop-landing at week6.
Conclusion
Applying 6-week NMES to the fibularis longus resulted in decreased ankle inversion angle and ankle inversion angular velocity, and increased peak ankle eversion moment during drop-landing. Consequently, NMES could be considered an effective modality for individuals with CAI to enhance the frontal ankle movement patterns and overall ankle motor control.