Biomechanical and Physiological Factors in Dynamic Balance during Single-Leg Loading: Interactions between Biomechanical, Neuromuscular Control and Balance Performance

Lateral ankle sprains often progress to chronic ankle instability (CAI). Dynamic balance assessment is essential for CAI evaluation, like the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT). Advanced tools, including force plates, IMU, and ultrasound imaging, analyze biomechanical and neuromuscular factors. These studies investigate the correlation between center of mass, muscle function, and balance. 27 participants were recruited. IMU sensors on the non-dominant leg recorded kinematic data during the mSEBT, while ultrasound imaging evaluated ankle muscles during single-leg squats. Pearson correlation examined relationships between dynamic balance performance, lower-limb kinematics, and muscle function. Hip flexion range of motion (ROM) and trunk RMS displacement correlated with posteromedial and posterolateral reach (r = 0.71–0.75). Anterior reach correlated with ankle dorsiflexion ROM (r = 0.59). Peroneus brevis activation was correlated with reach scores (r = 0.63–0.68). This study concludes that proximal control, ankle mobility, and peroneus brevis activation are crucial for dynamic balance.