Divergent Muscle Mechanics and Energetic Redistribution During Landing in Chronic Ankle Instability and Copers
Year: 2026
Type: conference-paper
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) and ankle sprain copers frequently demonstrate modified landing biomechanics, which may alter lower-limb muscle loading and the energetic demands of movement. Characterizing muscle mechanical behavior and joint-level energy regulation during landing may therefore inform targeted rehabilitation strategies. This study quantified muscle force production and energetic patterns in individuals with CAI, copers, and healthy controls during a single-leg jump-landing task. Sixty-six participants were allocated to three groups (CAI, copers, and controls). During landing trials, three-dimensional kinematics, ground reaction forces, and electromyographic signals were synchronously recorded and integrated into a musculoskeletal modeling framework to estimate muscle forces and mechanical power. Compared with healthy controls, the CAI group demonstrated greater peak forces in the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, vastus lateralis, and peroneus longus (all p < 0.001). Copers exhibited elevated peak forces in the vastus lateralis, medial gastrocnemius, soleus (p < 0.05), and peroneus longus (p < 0.001). Joint energetics further revealed a proximal redistribution of negative mechanical power: energy absorption shifted from the ankle toward the hip in CAI (p < 0.001), whereas copers demonstrated a similar shift toward the knee (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that both CAI individuals and copers rely more heavily on proximal joints to regulate landing mechanics. While copers appear to adopt a compensatory strategy that may improve landing stability, the associated loading pattern could increase anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk. The observed alterations in energy absorption may also contribute to the persistence or recurrence of ankle sprains. Overall, this work provides new insight into how neuromuscular and energetic adaptations shape landing strategies following ankle injury.
Authors: Tianle Jie, Jiachao Cai, Tibor J. Goda
Institution: Obuda University
Language: English
Topic: Foot and Ankle Surgery
Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7204189673