It is not clear to what extent the normal active stabilisers of the ankle, primarily the peroneii, are affected by fatigue, during or after sporting activity. The aim of this study was to ascertain the effects of fatigue on ankle stability in the active sportsman.

20 adults who regularly took part in sporting activity, and who had no recent history of ankle injury were recruited. Assessment of ankle stability and function consisted of a static test (one legged stance, ‘stork test’) and dynamic tests (time taken to hop 6-limbed star), testing each leg. Test time were recorded (3 attempts with the best result counting) before and after exercise which consisted of a 2km treadmill run, run at the subject’s best pace.

Our results showed an overall improvement in both static and dynamic stability after exercise. The differences reached statistical significance (one-tailed analysis of variance, p< 0.05).

We therefore conclude that moderate exercise improves static and dynamic ankle stability in the normal ankle; this demonstrates a beneficial warm up effect, rather than a fatigue effect.