Evaluation of Landing Mechanisms Post Injury to the Foot or Ankle
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Authors
McGeorge, Rileigh
Issue Date
2025-04-03
Type
Language
Keywords
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Abstract
Description
Foot and ankle injuries are among the most common injuries of the lower limb and often have
lasting effects, including chronic instability and lingering pain when left untreated. Outside of
the athletic context, less than 50% of ankle and foot injuries are referred to rehabilitation
services. Lack of rehabilitation and/or treatment following injuries can have long-term effects on
the stability and force production of the lower limb. Residual strength issues can impact landing
stability and lead individuals to be at higher risk for reinjury. Therefore, this study examines
landing mechanisms of individuals following ankle or foot injury. This is done by recruiting
healthy participants with a history of unilateral ankle and/or foot injury. Following a dynamic
warm-up, participants perform three barefooted, single-legged jumps on a ground reaction force
plate (AMTI), with each foot. The raw data collected from each participant is analyzed using the
Balance Analysis Module of the BioAnalysis Software (AMTI). Specifically, BioAnalysis
Software is used to determine the center of pressure (COP) in the X and Y axes, average
displacement in the X and Y axes, and the 95th percentile ellipse area. This will provide an idea
of the amount and magnitude of movement in each foot upon landing. Student’s paired T-tests
will be performed to compare injured foot to uninjured foot. Data collection is on progress, but
we expect to see greater displacement in the X and Y axes as well as significantly higher
magnitude of movement upon landing for the previously injured limb compared to the un-injured
limb. Information from this study is important because it can provide knowledge on potential
risks of landing post-injury and assist in the recommendation of rehabilitation and treatment.