Proprioceptive Training on Ankle Stability and Balance in Athletes with Recurrent Ankle Sprain Effectiveness

Author

Abhishek Samuel, Subuhee Kamal

Abstract

 Background

Repeated episodes of ankle injury may interfere with neuromuscular coordination and increase susceptibility to subsequent injury. Proprioceptive training is commonly incorporated into sports rehabilitation because it challenges joint-position awareness, balance, muscular coordination, and dynamic postural control. Recurrent ankle sprain is a frequently encountered sports-related musculoskeletal condition that may result in persistent ankle instability, impaired proprioception, deficient postural control, and reduced functional performance.

Aim

To determine the effect of proprioceptive training on ankle stability and balance in athletes with recurrent ankle sprain.

Methods

A two-arm, parallel-group experimental study was planned over a four-month period among 110 athletes with a history of recurrent ankle sprain. Participants meeting the predetermined eligibility criteria were randomly allocated into a proprioceptive-training group (n=55) or a conventional-exercise/control group (n=55). The intervention consisted of structured proprioceptive and balance exercises, including single-leg stance, weight shifting, unstable-surface activities, balance-board exercises, reaching activities, perturbation exercises, and progressive sport-specific balance tasks. Outcome assessment included the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT), Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), Y-Balance Test, and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM). Assessments were performed before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis was planned using appropriate parametric or non-parametric tests according to data distribution, with statistical significance established at p<0.05.

Results

The illustrative pre- and post-intervention values supplied for the study indicate improvement in ankle stability, static balance, dynamic balance, and functional performance following proprioceptive training. CAIT scores increased from 18.4±3.2 to 26.1±2.7, while BESS scores decreased from 22.6±5.1 to 14.3±4.2. Y-Balance Test performance improved across the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions. FAAM-ADL scores increased from 78.6±8.4% to 91.5±6.2%, and FAAM-Sports scores increased from 69.8±10.1% to 87.6±7.8%. These values are illustrative and should not be interpreted as actual statistically verified findings until participant-level data are analyzed.

Conclusion

A structured proprioceptive-training programme may be useful for improving ankle stability, balance, and functional performance in athletes with recurrent ankle sprain. Incorporating progressive proprioceptive and balance exercises into sports physiotherapy rehabilitation may help address persistent neuromuscular deficits associated with recurrent ankle instability.

Keywords

Proprioceptive training; recurrent ankle sprain; chronic ankle instability; ankle stability; balance; Y-Balance Test; CAIT; FAAM; athletes; sports physiotherapy.

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References

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