Neuromuscular control of ankle and hip during performance of the star excursion balance test in subjects with and without chronic ankle instability.

Background/purpose: Ankle sprains are common and potentially disabling musculoskeletal injuries that often lead to chronic ankle instability (CAI). CAI has been linked to impairments in postural and neuromuscular control; however, inconsistent findings have been reported. Individuals who experience a lateral ankle sprain, but do not develop instability, termed copers, may adapt different neuromuscular control strategies after injury.