To investigate isometric and isokinetic hip strength as well as dynamic balance in males with chronic ankle instability (CAI) and explore potential associations between hip strength, dynamic balance, and self-reported instability. Cross-sectional study. University laboratory. Fifty male participants (25 with CAI and 25 healthy controls). Hip isometric and isokinetic torque normalized to body weight, Lower Quarter Y-balance Test (YBT-LQ), the Polish version of The Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT-PL). Significant differences were observed only in the hip isometric abductors/adductors strength ratio (p = 0.034, ES = 0.65), which was lower in the CAI group. CAI participants showed reduced dynamic balance in posterolateral reach (p = 0.006, ES = 0.92) and composite score of YBT-LQ (p = 0.012, ES = 0.91). There was a moderate positive correlation between dynamic balance and hip abductors strength during posteromedial (r = 0.40, p = 0.049) and posterolateral (r = 0.40, p = 0.048) YBT-LQ reaches, and isometric hip abductors strength moderately positively correlated with self-reported instability (r = 0.46, p = 0.021) in the CAI group. Males with CAI exhibit deficits in frontal plane hip isometric strength, specifically in the hip abductor/adductor ratio, while no deficits were observed in isokinetic strength. The relationships between hip abductors strength, dynamic balance, and self-reported ankle instability may suggest the importance of hip abductors isometric strength for functional outcomes in CAI-patients.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to develop a Polish version of the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT-PL) questionnaire and perform CAIT-PL cultural adaptation with assessment of its psychometric properties.Methods: The original CAIT was translated into the Polish language using standard guidelines. The CAIT-PL was completed on 2 occasions by 105 participants both with and without a history of ankle sprains. Psychometric evaluation of CAIT-PL included an assessment of internal consistency, test-retest reliability, standard error of measurement, convergent and construct validity.Results: The CAIT-PL was successfully translated and adapted into Polish culture with satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.83) and adequate test-retest reliability resulting in ICC_2,1 = 0.89 (95% CI: 0.84-0.92). Measurement error was low (SEM = 0.76 and MDC = 2.10). Convergent validity of the CAIT-PL ranged from weak to strong using Spearman's correlation coefficient between CAIT-PL and FAOS subscales (r = 0.39-0.67; p < 0.05). Construct validity was confirmed.Conclusion: The Polish version of the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool is a valid and reliable questionnaire for assessment of functional ankle instability among the Polish population.

The study aim was to evaluate associations between hip and ankle strength, ROM and YBT-LQ. The study involved 66 healthy males (age: 25.2+6.8 years). Each participant was assessed with ankle DF ROM, hip IR ROM, ER ROM and hip ABD, EXT and ER muscle isometric strength. The YBT-LQ test was performed for both limbs (stance and kicking leg). Forward two-step multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine relationships between a predictor set and the criterion variable. Of 6 input variables for regression models, only 2 (ankle DF ROM, hip ABD strength) explained variance of YBT-LQ performance. Variance for anterior, posteromedial (PM) and posterolateral (PL) reach distances were explained from R2 = 0.15 to R2 = 0.49, but the models’ composition in PM and PL differed between legs. YBT-LQ composite score in both legs was explained by the same model, including ankle DF ROM and hip ABD (R2 = 0.44; R2 = 0.25). Hip ABD strength and ankle DF ROM assessment may be useful in individuals with poor YBT-LQ test performance to detect specific musculoskeletal deficits. Moreover, the regression models in stance leg for all reaches and composite score were more predictive than for the kicking leg.

The rules governing mountain running force athletes to implement into their training programmes uphill and downhill running on unstable surfaces, which are demanding for hip and ankle as well as for the postural control system. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to compare highly trained mountain runners (MR) and recreational active non-runners (NR) on range of motion (ROM) and strength in the hip and ankle, as well as dynamic postural control. Thirty MR and thirty-two NR were included in the study. ROM was assessed using a digital inclinometer. Strength was measured using a hand-held dynamometer. Postural control was evaluated using the lower quarter Y-balance test (YBT-LQ). The results showed that MR, in relation to NR, had statistically significant smaller hip external rotation ROM (p = 0.007), lower hip external rotator (p = 0.006) and extensor (p = 0.023) strength and greater normalised anterior reach in the YBT-LQ (p = 0.028). Mountain running training may reduce hip external rotation ROM as well as hip external rotator and extensor strength. Moreover, such training may improve postural control. MR should implement exercises targeted at developing hip ROM and strength. Furthermore, it seems that mountain running training may be a good way to improve postural control.

Introduction: The scapula is recognised as a key element of the proper functioning in the shoulder complex. Scapular movement abnormalities have been defined as scapular dyskinesis. It is treated as a dysfunction that increases the risk of shoulder pain. Various diagnostic and therapeutic methods have been introduced into clinical practice, the purpose of which are to assess the function of the scapula and restore normal movement patterns. The current state of knowledge does not allow to clearly answer the question as to whether the available tools applied for assessing the mobility and functions of the scapula are reliable and useful in clinical practice during diagnosis within the shoulder complex.