The effect of a period of balance and combination exercises (neuromuscular and stabilizing) on pain, functional characteristics and range of motion of athlete women with chronic ankle instability

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of a period of balance and combination exercises (neuromuscular and stabilizing) on ​​pain, functional characteristics and motor range of athlete women with chronic ankle instability. Materials and Methods: In this study, 30 female athletes with functional ankle instability were selected and randomly assigned into three groups of 10 people balance exercises, combined exercises (muscular relaxation stabilizer) and control group. The amount of pain was measured by Visual Analog Test (VAS). Functional features were tested by side mutation test, Eighth Latin mutation test, single mutation triple test. Goniometer was used to measure the range of dorsiflexion and plantar flexion. Then, the training groups performed their exercises for six weeks (three sessions of 60 minutes per week) and after the intervention, the post-test was performed in 3 groups and the results were compared. The Leven's test was used to test the homogeneity of variances in the pre-test. The covariance analysis test was used to examine the intergroup changes. Tukey's post hoc test was used to determine the location of the difference between the groups and the t-test for correlating the changes within the group. Results: The results showed that a balance and combination had a significant effect on the subjects 'pain (p=0.03, p=0.01), functional characteristics (p≤0.01) and dorsiflexion (p=0.01) and plantar flexion (p=0.01, p=0.02). Comparing two exercise programs, it was found that the effect of combined exercises on pain, functional characteristics, and dorsiflexion range of subjects was higher. Conclusion: According to the results, it is recommended that correct and timely rehabilitation of the ankle injured patients be used for balancing exercises along with combined exercises to improve pain, functional characteristics, and range of motion.