PURPOSE: This study aimed to quantify differences in white matter microstructure and static postural control in individuals with and without a previous history of a lateral ankle sprain.

METHODS: Ten participants with a history of a lateral ankle sprain and 10 controls performed three 20-s trials of single-leg static balance on a force platform under an eyes-open condition. Resultant sample entropy (SampEn) was used to assess static postural control performance. To assess white matter microstructure, fractional anisotropy (FA) of the superior cerebellar peduncles and corticospinal tracts was quantified using diffusion tensor imaging. In the case of statistically significant differences in FA, component diffusivities were evaluated, including mean diffusivity, radial diffusivity (RD), and axial diffusivity.

RESULTS: Significant differences between participants with and without a history of lateral ankle sprains were observed in superior cerebellar peduncle FA and RD. Participants with a history of lateral ankle sprains had significantly lower FA in the superior cerebellar peduncle compared with controls. Participants with a history of lateral ankle sprains also demonstrated higher RD values in the superior peduncle compared with control. Finally, participants with a history of lateral ankle sprains had lower resultant SampEn values compared with controls.

CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that microstructural changes in white matter tracts governing postural control may be the biomarkers of central nervous system dysfunction in individuals with a lateral ankle sprain history.