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Updated: May 17, 2025
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Evaluating Postural Control and Lower-extremity Muscle Activation in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability
Published on: September 18, 2020
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Effectiveness of exercise therapy on chronic ankle instability: a meta-analysis
Chengcheng Zhang1, Zhenzhou Luo1, Dingwei Wu2
1The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 086-215000, China.
Scientific Reports
|April 5, 2025
Summary
Exercise therapy significantly improves outcomes for chronic ankle instability (CAI) patients, enhancing both function and balance. Long-term, varied exercise programs, including strength and proprioceptive training, are most effective for rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Lateral ankle sprains are common, frequently leading to chronic ankle instability (CAI) in up to 70% of cases.
- Exercise therapy is a primary treatment modality for CAI, but its comprehensive efficacy requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the effectiveness of exercise therapy for patients diagnosed with chronic ankle instability (CAI).
- To compare the efficacy of different exercise types and durations on functional and balance outcomes in CAI patients.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis of 15 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 586 participants was conducted.
- Studies were searched across major databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science) up to September 13, 2024.
- Quality assessment used the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool; data analysis employed RevMan 5.3.0 and Stata 18.0; evidence quality was graded using the GRADE approach.
Main Results:
- Exercise therapy significantly improved the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure - Sport (FAAM-S) score (MD=7.98).
- Long-term exercise (>4 weeks) significantly enhanced FAAM - Activities of Daily Living (FAAM-A) (MD=10.95) and dynamic ankle joint balance (SEBT-A, SEBT-PM, SEBT-PL).
- Strength training, joint mobilization, and proprioceptive training showed specific superiorities in improving different aspects of dynamic balance as measured by the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT).
Conclusions:
- Long-term, multifaceted exercise therapy is highly effective for rehabilitating patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI).
- Personalized treatment plans, guided by SEBT assessments, should incorporate targeted interventions like joint mobilization, strength, or proprioceptive training.
- This evidence-based approach offers significant value for optimizing CAI treatment and improving patient outcomes.
