Assessment of ankle functional performance in children with chronic ankle instability using functional performance tests and walking speed tests

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of functional performance tests for children (FPTs^children) in assessing ankle function in children with and without CAI and to correlate these tests with the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool-Thai version (CAITY-T). Seventy-six children with and without CAI aged 7-12 years were recruited. Participants were assessed using the CAITY-T, six-meter crossover hop test (6MCHT), single leg stance test (SLST), Y-balance test (YBT), and ten-meter walk test (10MWT). Children with CAI demonstrated significantly poorer performance in 6MCHT and SLST with eyes open on both floor and foam and fast walking speed in 10MWT compared to controls (p<0.05). A positive correlation was found between YBT anterior scores and CAITY scores in children with CAI (p<0.05). FPTs^children effectively differentiates children with CAI from healthy controls. The positive correlation between YBT and CAITY suggests the importance of dynamic balance assessments. These findings support using objective FPTs^children measures and subjective self-assessments in clinical practice.