Abstract
Introduction
Acute ankle sprains have a high recurrence rate associated with the development of chronic ankle instability (CAI). However, such damage can be ameliorated by understanding the contributing factors. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between the associated independent factors and chronic instability.
Material and methods
This cross-sectional study included 273 volunteers (F/M: 175/98, mean age, 34.4 ± 13.2 years; range, 18–78). Data was collected by a structured two-part questionnaire: (1) sociodemographic features, viz. age, gender, height, weight, dominant side, type and duration of physical activity, presence of chronic medical problems, and (2) general health conditions, viz. history of operation and trauma, number of painful regions, intensity, duration, of foot and ankle). Subjects are classified as having CAI with a Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) score ≤ 27.
Results
The mean CAIT score was significantly lower in women than men. For both sides, the lowest CAIT scores were demonstrated by subjects with a Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 30.0 (p < 0.05). The total number of painful areas bilaterally, pain level, and CAIT score of the opposite ankle were determined as predictive factors of CAI (Right: R2 = 0.54, p = 0.049, p = 0.000, p = 0.030, p= 0.000; Left: R2 = 0.48, p = 0.000, p = 0.000, p = 0.000, p = 0.000, respectively).
Conclusions
Obesity, female sex, pain status (intensity and a total number of pain regions), and opposite side CAIT score can be valuable indicators of secondary complications for patients receiving primary care services after injury.