Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

1 Rehabilitation Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.

3 Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.

4 Rehabilitation Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. ORCID ID: 0000-0002-2453-3392

5 Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.

10.30476/jrsr.2024.99611.1400

Abstract

 Background: Functional performance tests (FPTs) combine multiple movement components that are mostly assessed by instruments. While, FPTs are inexpensive, quick to administer, and convenient to perform. Among the these tests, side hop test (SHT) is a useful tool for physiotherapists to evaluate functional limitations in athletes with chronic ankle instability (CAI).  Using a valid FPT to assess multiple movement components and detect specific deficits may be helpful for identifying impaired component easily and accelerating rehabilitation training and consequently returning athletes with CAI to the sport safely. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between the SHT performance, dynamic balance control and isometric strength of hip and ankle muscles in recreational male athletes with CAI. Specifically, the study was aimed to examine the ability of SHT to predict deficits in the dynamic balance control and isometric strength of hip and ankle muscles in these individuals.  
Methods: Sixty recreational male athletes with CAI (mean age 29.6 ± 6.2years) participated in this cross-sectional study. The SHT score, dynamic balance control using Modified Star Excursion Balance Test (MSEBT) and maximal isometric strength for invertor, evertor, hip abductor, and external rotator muscles using hand-held dynamometry were assessed. Bivariate correlations and simple linear regression were used for analysis the assessed variables.
Results: Pearson correlation coefficient analysis showed fair negative correlations between the SHT and MSEBT in the posteromedial (PM) (r = -0.43, P < 0.001) and posterolateral (PL) reach directions (r = -0.26, P = 0.04). Linear regression model showed that only 19% of variance in the PM reach direction and 7 % variance in the PL reach direction were explained by the SHT score.
 Conclusion: The SHT may not be an appropriate tool for predicting deficites in dynamic balance control and isometric strength of hip and ankle muscles in recreational male athletes with CAI.
 

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