Wobble-Board Balance Intervention to Decrease Symptoms and Prevent Reinjury in Athletes With Chronic Ankle...

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Orthopedics
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Controlled studies show wobble-board exercises benefit chronic ankle instability.
• Effectiveness in realistic intercollegiate athletics settings remains underdocumented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a wobble-board intervention for intercollegiate athletes with chronic ankle instability in a real-world environment.

Main Methods:

• Eight intercollegiate athletes with chronic ankle instability underwent an 8-week wobble-board intervention (3 sessions/wk).
• Data collected on patient-reported stability, function, and pain.

Main Results:

• The intervention was feasible in a realistic athletic setting.
• 5 of 8 athletes reported improved stability.
• 2 of 8 reported improved function; 3 of 8 reported reduced pain.

Conclusions:

• Wobble-board intervention is feasible for college athletes with chronic ankle instability.
• It can lead to meaningful improvements in patient-reported stability for some individuals.
• Outcomes for function and pain are less consistent, indicating a need for further research.