How ankle evertor muscle tiredness changes walking with sudden sideways pushes.
Effects of Ankle Evertor Fatigue on Gait Perturbation Responses in Individuals With and Without Chronic Ankle Instability
We will test whether tiring the ankle evertor muscles changes how people with chronic ankle instability and healthy adults respond to sudden sideways pushes while walking on a treadmill.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Ljubljana Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ljubljana) |
| Trial ID | NCT07273097 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study enrolls adults with chronic ankle instability (CAI) and matched healthy controls to compare gait and neuromuscular responses before and after ankle evertor fatigue. Participants walk on a treadmill at two speeds (1.0 m/s and 0.4 m/s) while random medial and lateral perturbations are applied shortly after initial foot contact. Surface EMG from ankle muscles and center-of-pressure gait measures (step length, step width, single support duration, COP trajectory) are recorded during perturbed and unperturbed walking. Fatigue is induced via repeated concentric and eccentric eversion contractions using elastic resistance bands and post-fatigue responses are measured immediately.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–45 with chronic ankle instability (first sprain ≥1 year ago, at least 3 months since the last sprain, CAIT <24) or matched healthy adults without lower limb injury or neurological impairments are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with recent ankle sprains (<3 months), major lower-limb surgery, other ankle pathologies, acute pain, neurological impairments, or outside the 18–45 age range are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, results could guide rehabilitation exercises to improve ankle stability and reduce future sprains.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies show muscle fatigue can impair balance and alter gait responses, though using ankle evertor fatigue with pelvis perturbations during treadmill walking is a relatively specific and less-explored approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria for the healthy control group (no CAI): * Age between 18 and 45 years, * No history of injuries or surgical procedures to the lower limbs, * No peripheral or central neurological impairments. Inclusion criteria for the chronic ankle instability (CAI) group: * Age between 18 and 45 years, * No history of major surgical procedures on the lower limbs * No peripheral or central neurological impairments, * Diagnosed chronic ankle instability: * First ankle sprain occurred at least one year prior to testing, * At least three months since the most recent ankle sprain, * Subjective feeling of ankle instability - CAIT (Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool) score \< 24. Exclusion criteria for the CAI group: * Other pathologies of the ankle joint. * Acute pain
Where this trial is running
Ljubljana
- University Rehabilitation Institute Republic of Slovenia - URI Soča — Ljubljana, Slovenia (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Alan Kacin, PhD, PT, Prof
- Email: alan.kacin@zf.uni-lj.si
- Phone: +38613001119
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.