Comparison Between Spatiotemporal Parameters and Vertical Ground Reaction Force in Ankle Sprain Coper and Healthy Athletes: A Cross Sectional Study

It is essential to maintain dynamic stability during walking to perform daily tasks independently. The present study aimed at comparing the spatiotemporal parameters and the values of the vertical Ground Reaction Force (vGRF) as well as determining the time to reach them in ankle-sprain coper and healthy athletes during the stance phase of gait.

A total of 28 female university athletes were recruited in this cross-sectional study and assigned into two groups: ankle-sprain coper (n=14) and healthy control (n=14). The gait cycle analysis was then performed on a 10-m path, and the information related to the stance phase was recorded by a foot scanning device. The spatiotemporal parameters (gait line and contact time) and the values of the vGRF along with the time to reach them were subsequently obtained from each test. The repeated measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was additionally used to analyze the data (P≤0.05).

The study results revealed no differences between the injured and the healthy feet in the ankle-sprain coper group in any of the variables (P>0.05). As well, the spatiotemporal gait cycle parameters between the ankle-sprain coper group and the healthy controls were not significantly different (P>0.05). However, significant differences were observed between the ankle-sprain coper and healthy controls in terms of the variables of the vGRF in the mid-stance (F=5.25, P=0.03) and the time to reach the second peak of the vGRF (F=9.13, P=0.006). 

The spatiotemporal gait parameters were not significantly different between the ankle-sprain coper and the control groups, but the vGRF in the ankle-sprain coper was greater than that in the control group. With regard to the correlation between the reduction in the vGRF and the secondary injury, it is recommended to pay much attention to this point in rehabilitation programs following the first injury in female athletes.