Does Self-Reported Chronic Ankle Instability Reflect the Functional Level Y-Balance Test Performance?

Abstract

Objective: To compare ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) and dynamic balance performance during the Y-Balance Test (YBT) between individuals with and without Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI), as classified by the cumberland ankle instability tool (CAIT). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 20 adult recreational badminton players. Participants were classified into a CAI group (n = 10) with CAIT scores <24 and a non-CAI group (n = 10) with scores ≥24. The YBT was used to assess dynamic balance and dorsiflexion ROM. Ankle dorsiflexion angles were analyzed using 2-D video analysis with reflective markers and Kinovea software. Independent t-tests were used to analyze between-group differences in ankle dorsiflexion ROM and normalized reach distances, with the level of significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The independent t-tests revealed no statistically significant differences in ankle dorsiflexion ROM between the CAI group and the non-CAI group for in the anterior (p > 0.05), posteromedial (p > 0.05), or posterolateral (p > 0.05) directions. Similarly, there were no significant differences in normalized maximum reach distances and composite YBT score between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: This study found that individuals classified as having CAI by the CAIT questionnaire showed no significant differences in ankle dorsiflexion or dynamic balance performance during the YBT. These results suggest that the dorsiflexed position during the YBT may enhance joint stability and obscure functional deficits related to ankle instability. Therefore, clinicians shoulder consider using functional assessment with appropriate caution to better detect impairments associated with CAI based on these results.