Relationship between Postural Control Ability and Pulmonary Function in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to examine the differences and relationships between static and dynamic postural control and pulmonary function parameters—including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), and diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLco)—in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI).PARTICIPANTS A total of 43 participants who had consistently engaged in a single type of physical activity for at least 90 minutes per week were included in the study. They were divided into the CAI group (n = 22; 21.95±2.55 yrs; 66.71±14.19kg; 168.08±8.4cm) and the healthy control group (n = 21; 21.95±2.73yrs; 62.91±9.22kg; 166.09±6.19cm:). Participants were categorized based on their history of ankle sprains and the criteria outlined by the International Ankle Consortium (IAC).METHODS Pulmonary function parameters (FVC, FEV₁, DLco) were measured using the Quark PFT system, and static and dynamic postural control abilities were assessed using a force plate. These measurements were used to analyze the differences and correlations between postural control and pulmonary function.RESULTS In the CAI group, static postural control was lower TTB_AP_minimum(p = 0.03) than in controls. For static postural control, TTB_AP_SD showed negative correlations with (FVC; r = -0.47, p = 0.03, DLco; r = -0.44, p = 0.04). For dynamic postural control, FVC, FEV₁, and DLco were all positively correlated with VSI( FVC; r = 0.61, p = 0.003, FEV₁; r = 0.56, p = 0.008, DLco; r = 0.58,p = 0.005) and DPSI(FVC; r = 0.63, p = 0.002, FEV₁; r = 0.59, p = 0.005, DLco; r = 0.58, p = 0.005).CONCLUSIONS The CAI group showed poorer static postural control than healthy individuals. Overall, higher pulmonary function was associated with better static stability but lower dynamic stability. These findings suggest that clinicians should consider evaluating and training respiratory function as part of comprehensive rehabilitation for individuals with chronic ankle instability, as respiratory efficiency may influence both static and dynamic balance performance.