Assessment of Static and Dynamic Balance among College Students with Functional Ankle Instability

Background: Chronic Functional Ankle Instability (FAI) is a common musculoskeletal disorder that is characterized by recurring giving away of the foot among physically active individuals, especially college students. Functional instability is related to postural control deficits, compromised neuromuscular control, and proprioceptive deficits. This study fills the assessment gap using valid tests to help reach accurate assessment. Although previous research has indicated balance abnormalities in individuals with FAI, the extent to which static and dynamic balance are affected remains unclear, especially among college students. Purpose: This study aims to assess static and dynamic balance, and functional performance changes among students’ colleagues with functional ankle instability (FAI). Methods: Thirty-eight unilateral ankle instability patients (mean age 20.4 ± 1.29 years) with seventy-six legs were divided into two groups: an experimental group (N = 38, unstable ankles) and a control group (N = 38, unaffected ankles). Static and dynamic balance and functional performance were assessed by single-leg stance (SLS) with eyes open and closed, the y-balance test and the side hop test, respectively. Results: The values of effect size (Cohen's d) were 0.49 for side hop (seconds), 0.36 for SLS eye open (seconds), 0.73 for SLS, eye closed (seconds), and 0.96 for Y-Balance. Significant differences in balance and functional performance were found between affected and non-affected limbs. The affected limb showed poorer performance in the side hop test (P = 0.007), SLS test with eyes closed (P = 0.004), SLS test with eyes open (P = 0.044), and the Y Balance test (p < 0.001). Conclusion: College students with FAI might have significant deficiencies in both static, dynamic balance as well as functional performance. These deficits increase the risk of recurrence.