Medial heel wedge in balance training improves stability and function in chronic ankle instability

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Rehabilitation Science
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Chronic ankle instability (CAI) negatively impacts balance and elevates reinjury risk.
• Effective rehabilitation strategies are crucial for managing CAI and restoring function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if medial heel wedges enhance a 4-week progressive balance program for CAI.
• To compare gains in postural control and functional performance between balance training alone and with added heel wedges.

Main Methods:

• A randomized trial involving 22 participants with CAI.
• Groups: progressive balance program with or without medial heel wedges.
• Assessments: postural control (various stances/surfaces/visual conditions), modified star excursion balance test (mSEBT), single-leg hop test (SLH), single-leg squat.

Main Results:

• Both groups showed improvements in most balance and functional measures.
• The wedge group demonstrated superior gains in static postural control (single-leg stance on soft surface, eyes open) and mSEBT anterior reach.
• No significant between-group differences were found for SLH, limb symmetry index (LSI), or single-leg squat performance.

Conclusions:

• Progressive balance training is effective for CAI.
• Medial heel wedges offer selective benefits for dynamic forward reach and static stability in challenging conditions.
• Heel wedges represent a simple, potentially beneficial addition to CAI rehabilitation, possibly reducing reinjury risk.