Development of an efficient rehabilitation exercise program for functional recovery in chronic ankle instability

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Rehabilitation Science
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Ankle injuries are common in athletes, particularly soccer players, leading to chronic pain and impaired motor function.
• Repeated ankle injuries can result in chronic ankle instability, affecting athletic performance and quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an integrated rehabilitation exercise program for preventing chronic pain and enhancing motor ability in athletes with ankle injuries.
• To address the need for effective interventions for chronic ankle instability in male soccer players.

Main Methods:

• A 12-week rehabilitation program focusing on ankle muscle strength and lower limb dynamic coordination was implemented.
• Twenty-six male soccer players with recurrent ankle injuries participated.
• Evaluations included the Y Balance Test and isokinetic strength measurements of ankle movements (dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, eversion) pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant improvements were observed in the left ankle's dorsiflexor to plantarflexor strength ratio, and in eversion and inversion strength after 12 weeks.
• No significant changes were noted in other measured variables.

Conclusions:

• The integrated rehabilitation program effectively reduced pain and restored joint range of motion, muscle strength, endurance, and functional ability in athletes with chronic ankle instability.
• The findings suggest the program's efficacy in managing chronic ankle instability.
• Development of active protocols targeting complex functions is recommended to further enhance outcomes.