Relationship Between Hip Abductor Strength and Ankle Stability

Relationship Between Hip Abductor Strength and Ankle Stability

Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in sports. The analysis of risk factors is a priority in order to guide rehabilitation and prevention programs. Among risk factors identified in the literature, weakness of the hip abductor muscles represent a factor favoring recurrent ankle sprains. However, only few studies have investigate the link between the strength of the hip abductor muscles and the deficits in stabilization of the ankle joint. Furthermore, these few studies analysed landing task or undisturbed balance task. It would be interesting to further understand the impact and role of hip abductor muscles on ankle stability during specific ankle-destabilizing task.

The main objective of this study is to establish a link between the strength of the hip abductor muscles and the dynamic postural control performance measured by the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBTm). Secondly, it will be necessary to study the kinematic and neuromuscular control characteristics of the ankle during 4 functional tests:

• SEBTm
• Static unipodal balance
• Weight-bearing inversion test
• Weight-bearing eversion test

These tests will be realized with an ankle destabilizing device. The device is a sandal equipped of an articulator under the rear foot which allow movements in inversion and eversion. Furthermore, tests are realized two times, before and immediatly after a fatiguing exercise. The fatiguing exercise consists to implemented local fatigue on hip abductor muscles by repeating abductions.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Males and females between 18 and 35 years old
• Subject's non-opposition to participate in the study
• Practicing regular physical activity (> 2 hours per week)
• No contraindication to carrying out the protocol
• Affiliation to a French social security scheme or beneficiary of such a scheme

Exclusion Criteria:

• Males or females under 18 or over 35 years
• History of lower limb injuries in the 6 months preceding the protocol
• Diagnosis of chronic ankle instability
• Subject unlikely to cooperate with the study and / or weak cooperation anticipated by the investigator
• Subject's opposition to participating in the study
• Subject without health insurance
• Pregnant woman