Subjective and Objective Evaluation of the Functional Condition after a Single Lateral Sprain of the Ankle in Athletes

Background. Ankle sprains can lead to functional deficits. However, few papers have investigated deficits following a single lateral ankle sprain as either assessed subjectively by the patient (e.g., with questionnaires) or measured objectively (e.g., by evaluation of postural stability). This paper aims to provide subjective and objective assessment of functional status in athletes after a single lateral ankle sprain. Material and methods. A lateral ankle sprain group (LAS) consisted of 20 athletes after a single lateral ankle sprain (mean age 23 ± 1.78 years). A control group (CTRL) comprised 20 athletes with no history of injury (mean age 22.5 ± 2.67 years). Subjective assessment was based on the Foot and Ankle Disability Index questionnaire (FADI-Q). A Biodex Balance System SD dynamic platform was used to assess postural stability. Static and dynamic testing was performed in single-leg stance. Results. Statistically significant differences were noted during the comparison of the LAS and CTRL groups in FADI-Q in the following parts: FADI (p=0,017) and FADI TOTAL (p=0,049). Moreover, statistically significant differences were noted in the LAS group between subjects with instability (N-STAB) and without instability (STAB) of the ankle in the parts FADI (p=0,006), FADI SPORT (p=0,011) and FADI TOTAL (p=0,002). During static and dynamic postural stability testing, no significant differences were found between sprained and healthy limbs, between the LAS and CTRL groups, or between the STAB and N-STAB groups. Conclusions. 1. A deterioration of subjective functional status after a single lateral ankle sprain was revealed. 2. A single ankle sprain is associated with a high risk of developing functional instability. 3. There were no differences in objective functional status between the groups.