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Updated: Feb 23, 2026
Evaluating Postural Control and Lower-extremity Muscle Activation in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability
Published on: September 18, 2020
Effects and optimal dosage of Tai Chi for chronic ankle instability: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Tongtong Hao1, Juntong Yuan1, Man Xu2
1China Wushu School, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100089, China.
Background:
Chronic ankle instability (CAI) exhibits a remarkably high incidence among individuals following acute lateral ankle sprains, serving as a primary contributor to the impairment of postural balance and overall quality of life. As a traditional therapy emphasizing postural control and continuous movement, Tai Chi has shown potential in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. However, its specific efficacy and optimal dosage for CAI remain to be clarified.
Objective:
This study evaluates how Tai Chi affects functional recovery in CAI patients. We specifically examine the role of intervention dosage on clinical outcomes. Our goal is to offer a solid evidence-based reference for rehabilitation practice.
Methods:
This study follows a protocol registered in PROSPERO. We identified relevant RCTs from eleven major databases before the December 2025 deadline. Two authors performed the screening and data collection process independently. Methodological quality was assessed via the PEDro scale and RoB 2 tool. All statistical analyses were executed in STATA 15.
Results:
The meta-analysis of nine studies (n = 380) revealed a significant improvement in Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) scores favoring Tai Chi over control interventions (SMD = 0.773, 95 % CI [0.481, 1.066], P = 0.030). Balance: Tai Chi significantly improved postero-medial balance (SMD = 0.789, P < 0.001). Although anterior (SMD = 1.155) and postero-lateral balance showed trends of improvement, these changes did not attain statistical significance (P > 0.05). Analysis of the Unipedal Stance Test (UST) demonstrated no statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups (P = 0.634). Subgroup analysis: Moderating effects showed that longer intervention durations (12 weeks) and longer session lengths (60 min) had lower heterogeneity and more consistent improvement effects.
Conclusion:
Tai Chi practice significantly enhances functional outcomes for individuals with CAI. It specifically shows a strong positive effect on postero-medial balance. Our subgroup findings indicate that a 12-week program is most effective. This protocol should involve two 60-minute sessions per week. Due to high heterogeneity in some outcomes and limited sample sizes, further high-quality studies with larger samples are needed for verification.
