Fibular Nerve Conduction Velocity Following Ankle Rehabilitation in Individuals With CAI

Abstract

Purpose: To determine if balance or strength training improved fibular nerve conduction velocity, relative to a control group, in participants with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Methods: Thirty-seven participants completed baseline testing of motor nerve conduction velocity (m/s) of the fibular nerve. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: balance training protocol (BTP), strength training protocol (STP), or sham control (CON). Each participant met three times per week for 6 weeks and completed his or her respective protocols. Results: Neither group significantly improved from pretest (BTP: 37.08 ± 4.19 m/s, STP: 37.08 ± 4.03 m/s, CON: 38.09 ± 4.66 m/s) to posttest (BTP: 37.85 ± 2.54 m/s, STP: 37.00 ± 3.85 m/s, CON: 38.00 ± 5.04 m/s). The repeated measures analysis of covariance did not result in a significant time by group interaction (Neither group significantly improved from pretest (BTP: 37.08 ± 4.19 m/s, STP: 37.08 ± 4.03 m/s, CON: 38.09 ± 4.66 m/s) to posttest (BTP: 37.85 ± 2.54 m/s, STP: 37.00 ± 3.85 m/s, CON: 38.00 ± 5.04 m/s). The repeated measures analysis of covariance did not result in a significant time by group interaction (P =.66) or main effect for time (P =.47). Conclusions: Six-week balance and strength interventions did not improve nerve conduction velocity among individuals with CAI. Future research should continue rehabilitation after 6 weeks to identify if motor nerve conduction velocity can be improved. [[Athletic Training & Sports Health Care. 2021;13(1):11–17.] ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR