Influence of Landing in Neuromuscular Control and Ground Reaction Force with Ankle Instability: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Ankle sprains are generally the most common injuries that are frequently experienced by competitive athletes. Ankle sprains, which are the main cause of ankle instability, can impair long-term sports performance and cause chronic ankle instability (CAI). Thus, a comprehensive understanding of the key factors involved in repeated ankle strains is necessary. During jumping and landing, adaptation to the landing force and control of neuromuscular activation is crucial in maintaining ankle stability. Ankle mobility provides a buffer during landing, and peroneus longus activation inhibits ankle inversion; together, they can effectively minimize the risk of ankle inversion injuries. Accordingly, this study recommends that ankle mobility should be enhanced through active and passive stretching and muscle recruitment training of the peroneus longus muscles for landing strategies should be performed to improve proprioception, which would in turn prevent ankle sprain and injury to neighboring joints.