Relationship Between Muscle Strength and Balance

Relationship Between Muscle Strength and Balance: A Comparison Between Healthy Individuals and Those With Lower Extremity Injuries

This study aims to examine the relationship between lower extremity muscle strength and balance and to compare these parameters between healthy individuals and individuals with lower extremity injuries.

Inclusion Criteria:

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury Group:

• Aged between 18 and 40 years
• Diagnosed with a unilateral ACL injury 6 to 18 months prior to participation
• Diagnosis confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Ability to speak, read, and understand Turkish
• Willingness to participate voluntarily in the study

Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI) Group:

• Aged between 18 and 40 years
• Diagnosed with chronic ankle instability due to recurrent ankle sprains 6 to 18 months prior to participation
• History of at least two ankle sprains
• Ongoing symptoms of functional ankle instability (e.g., episodes of giving way, feelings of instability)
• Ability to speak, read, and understand Turkish
• Willingness to participate voluntarily in the study

Healthy Control Group:

• Aged between 18 and 40 years
• No history of lower extremity injury or orthopedic diagnosis
• Ability to speak, read, and understand Turkish
• Willingness to participate voluntarily in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of neurological, vestibular, or visual disorders that may affect balance
• History of other orthopedic diseases or trauma
• Presence of musculoskeletal disorders or cardiovascular comorbidities
• History of physiotherapy, rehabilitation, or surgical intervention within the past 6 months