Balance, strength and physical activity after ankle sprain: Comparison between children with chronic ankle instability and copers.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare muscle strength, balance, and physical activity between children with chronic ankle instability and copers.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Pediatric Physical Therapy laboratory.

Participants: Children aged between 7 and 12 years old from regular schools who had a history of unilateral ankle sprain.

Main Outcome Measures: Lower extremity strength, Static and dynamic standing balance, and Level of physical activity.

Results: Fifteen children with chronic ankle instability and 15 copers were recruited. Demographic data showed no differences between group except for sex and the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool-Youth (CAITY) score. Children with CAI had a significantly lower score during the standing long jump test (p < 0.05), poorer performance of single leg stance test (p < 0.001) and Y-Balance test in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions (p < 0.05) when compared to copers. Total METs per week was significantly higher in the copers (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Children with chronic ankle instability exhibited weaker lower limb strength, poorer static and dynamic standing balance, and participate in less physical activity compared to those in a coper group which may have future negative health consequences. Knowledge about the differences between the two groups may provide guidance for physical educators and physical therapists. (200 words).