Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 11, 2026
Evaluating Postural Control and Lower-extremity Muscle Activation in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability
Published on: September 18, 2020
Effects of Physical Therapy on Proprioception in Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Systematic Review With
Peng Chen1, Ling Wang1, Jianglong Zhan1
1School of Exercise and Health.
Objective:
To compare the effects of various physical therapy interventions on proprioception in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) and to provide an evidence-based medical basis for choosing the best physical therapy.
Design:
Six electronic databases were systematically searched from the time the database was created until March 1, 2025. Randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of physical therapy for joint position sense were included.
Results:
A total of 24 randomized controlled trials, including 949 individuals with CAI, were included. Seven physical therapy methods were used. Network meta-analysis revealed that balance training [standardized mean difference (SMD)=0.66, 95% CI: 0.26-1.05], strength training (SMD=0.97, 95% CI: 0.53-1.41), balance combined with strength training (SMD=0.94, 95% CI: 0.50-1.37), cognitive motor training (SMD=0.77, 95% CI: 0.08-1.45), electroacupuncture (SMD=0.84, 95% CI: 0.03-1.65), and whole-body vibration training (SMD=1.00, 95% CI: 0.45-1.55) significantly reduced ankle joint position error. Although whole-body vibration training had the highest ranking (75.4%), it was not significantly better than other therapies.
Conclusions:
With the exception of electrophysical agents, all 6 physical therapy treatments significantly improved ankle proprioception and yielded similar results. However, interventions should be chosen carefully, as the certainty of evidence is very low.
