Journal of Clinical Medicine
Lower-Limb Strength Symmetry, Postural Control, and Clinical Characteristics in Individuals with ACL Injury and Chronic Ankle Instability
By Begüm Kara Kaya, Hikmet Uçgun, Ahmet Veliyev and 2 others.
Abstract
Objective
To investigate the associations between lower-limb muscle strength symmetry and postural control, determine whether lower-limb symmetry explains additional variance in dynamic postural control after adjustment for demographic characteristics and diagnostic group, and compare these outcomes among individuals with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, chronic ankle instability (CAI), and healthy controls.
Methods
This cross-sectional study included 72 participants (mean age, 29.6 ± 5.9 years) equally distributed among the ACL, CAI, and healthy control groups. Isokinetic strength was assessed at 60°/s and higher joint-specific velocities (240°/s for the knee and 180°/s for the ankle), with LSI calculated from peak torque at 60°/s. Static and dynamic postural control were evaluated using the single-leg stance test and a computerized stabilometric platform. Pain intensity (VAS), kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale), physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF)), and health-related quality of life (Short Form-36) were also assessed. Between-group comparisons, Spearman correlation, and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were performed.