Effects of Tai Chi on the neuromuscular function of the patients with functional ankle instability: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Author: Huiru Tang1, Min Mao2, Daniel T P Fong3, Qipeng Song1, Yan Chen1, Zhipeng Zhou1, Cui Zhang4, Jiangna Wang1, Xuewen Tian1, Wei Sun5
Affiliation:
1 College of Sports and Health, Shandong Sport University, Jinan, China.
2 School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
3 National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK.
4 Lab of Biomechanics, Shandong Institute of Sport Science, Jinan, China.
5 College of Sports and Health, Shandong Sport University, Jinan, China. sunwei841024@163.com.
Conference/Journal: Trials
Date published: 2022 Feb 2
Other:
Volume ID: 23 , Issue ID: 1 , Pages: 107 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1186/s13063-022-06046-w. , Word Count: 267
Background:
Ankle instability limits physical activities and undermines a person's quality of life. Tai Chi's health benefits have been reported in different population groups. However, the effects of Tai Chi on neuromuscular function among young adults with functional ankle instability (FAI) remain unclear. Therefore, we aim to investigate the effect of Tai Chi on young adults with FAI.
Methods:
This study will be conducted as a randomized controlled trial with blinded assessors. A total of 104 young adults with FAI will be recruited and randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The participants in the simplified Tai Chi exercise program (STCEP) group will receive a 12-week Tai Chi training. The participants in the control group will receive a low-intensity exercise program and health education for 12 weeks. The primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks. Primary outcome measures will include the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) score, kinematics/kinetics data, electromyography during single-leg landing tasks, and the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT). Secondary outcome measures will include the total time of Dynamic Leap and Balance Test (DLBT), ankle muscle strength, and ankle proprioception.
Discussion:
This study will investigate the effects of Tai Chi exercise on the neuromuscular function of patients with FAI, as indicated by ankle joint biomechanics, ankle proprioception, balance, ankle muscle strength, and ankle muscle activation. Results will demonstrate that Tai Chi can be an effective exercise for young adults with FAI.
Trial registration:
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100044089 . Registered on 10 March 2021.
Keywords: Ankle proprioception; Balance; Functional ankle instability; Neuromuscular function; Tai Chi.
PMID: 35109886 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06046-w
BACK
