Impairment of sensory motor control in functionally instable ankle joint

Objectives: To present some of the current concepts that form a
comprehensive model of sensory-motor control impairment in functionally
instable ankle.
Methods: A literature search of journal articles in English was conducted
using the PubMed database from inception to 201 1 and
relevant studies dealing with sensory-motor factors associated with
human ankle stability were identified.
Results: Findings from individual studies on the role of sensory-motor
function in ankle stability yield to conflicting conclusions. The current
body of literature as well as recent systematic reviews quite unanimously
show: (1) an immediate impairment in ankle proprioception
after ankle ligament injury, without any direct evidence of a local
mechanoreceptor deficit: (2) no con\istent experimental evidence of
impairment in mu5cle reaction time and in muscle strength associated
with functional instable ankle: (3) evidence of a bilateral response
pattern, at both the ankle and proximal joints, after unilateral foot and
leg displacement; (4) the occurrence of a bilateral impairment of
postural and balance control. following unilateral injury.
Conclusions: Since the mid-1960 sensory-motor control has been
considered an important factor in ankle stability. In the clinical
condition known as functional instable ankle, in the specific topographic
origin of proprioception deficits has yet to be fully
explained. Furthermore, the general belief that peroneal muscle
weakness may contribute to lateral ankle instability is not supported
by any evidence of impairment in muscle reaction time and in
muscle strength. Based on the extremely short time periods required
to react to forces during ankle functional tasks. the role played by
sensory-motor integration in preparatory muscle activity seems to be
more important in ankle stability. The bilateral sensory motor deficit
at the entire kinetic chain, despite unilateral injury, provides further
evidence that central processing of peripheral sensory information
may have a crucial role in ankle stability. This assumption well
support the hypothesis that functional ankle instability could be
restored through global coordination training programs mediated by
central nervous mechanisms