A cross-sectional study on peroneal muscle echogenicity changes and their effects on balance functions in individuals with chronic ankle instability

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between peroneal muscle echogenicity and balance function in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI). While prior research has examined peroneal muscle activity, reaction time, and balance, the impact of echogenicity-an indicator of myosteatosis/fibrosis-remained underexplored. Cross-sectional study. Sixty-two adults with CAI were included. Peroneal muscle size, echogenicity, and stiffness were assessed using ultrasound. Dynamic balance was evaluated via the Y balance test (YBT), and static postural control was evaluated during lateral step-down (LSDT) and single-leg stance test (SLST). Eversion strength was assessed with a dynamometer. The relationship between muscle characteristics and balance was assessed using canonical correlation and stepwise linear regression. Individuals with increased peroneal muscle echogenicity had reduced muscle size, poorer eversion strength, and poorer balance. Eversion strength is positively associated with YBT scores across all echogenicity levels and negatively associated with posture parameters during the LSDT in moderate echogenicity. Peroneal longus stiffness was positively associated with YBT in severe echogenicity and posture parameters during the SLST. Increased peroneal muscle echogenicity is associated with poorer eversion strength and stiffness, resulting in poorer balance performance. Improving the peroneal muscle quality may enhance functions in the CAI condition.

Keywords: Ankle instability; Dynamic balance; Peroneal muscle; Postural control stability.

Fig. 1

Enrolment diagram.

Fig. 2

Peroneal muscle characteristics based on Modified Heckmatt Scale classification. (A) Eversion strength, (B) Cross-sectional area of peroneal muscle, (C) Peroneal muscle stiffness.

Fig. 3

Dynamic balance and lateral step-down test based on modified Heckmatt scale classification.

Fig. 4

Postural control parameters according to modified Heckmatt classification.

Fig. 5

Model depicting the first canonical correlation between peroneal muscle quality and balance functions showing the canonical correlation (r) and the canonical loading for each variable are presented adjacent to their arrow. Xs independent variable, Ys dependent variable. The significant contributors to the relationship are highlighted in green. EO eye open, EC eye close, AP anterioposterior, ML mediolateral, LSDT lateral step down test.