Effects of balance training on movement control, balance and performance in females with chronic ankle instability

Introduction: Although chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a condition characterized by numerous ankle sprains and the recurring sensation of ankle instability, which result in activity limitations and participation restrictions. Repetition based balance training protocols on type of the balance exercises may improve the deficits often associated with CAI. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of 6 weeks repetition based balance training on movement control, balance and performance in females with CAI. Methods: A total of 30 active female with CAI were selected for this study and randomly divided into control and experimental groups. Before and after the 6 weeks repetition based balance training intervention, participants were tested by completing the Mischiati test for movement control, Y balance test for balance and the Figure-8 hop and triple- crossover hop for performance. For statistical analysis, we conducted paired and sample t tests the data were analyzed using software SPSS 16 P≤0.05 was considered significant. Results: The repetition-based balance protocol group improved the movement control (P=0.004), balance (P=0.006), figure-8 hop (P=0.001) and triple- crossover hop (P=0.003) performance. Conclusion: Despite some limitations, the findings clearly support the use of repetition- based balance training exercises to improve movement control, balance and performance in females with CAI. Thus, future researchers should consider not only larger sample sizes but also longer-duration training programs to ensure the presence of notable adaptations in sensorimotor control that can.