Effects of balance and strength training protocols to improve ankle joint stability in armed recruits

To compare the effects of balance training and strength training on ankle joint stability, neuromuscular function, and injury prevention in armed recruits. A total of 1,517 male recruits participated in a 12-week intervention and were assigned to either a balance training group (BT, n = 750) or a strength training group (ST, n = 767). In addition to routine military training, the BT group performed balance-based exercises, whereas the ST group completed conventional strength training. Dynamic balance, ankle muscle performance, static balance, self-reported ankle stability, and military-specific physical performance were assessed at baseline, week 6, and week 12. Both interventions significantly improved the performance of various test indicators (p < 0.05).Compared with ST, BT produced greater improvements at week 12: YBT dominant posteromedial (F = 62.171, P < 0.001; η²=0.081); dominant eyes-closed single-leg stance (F = 88.970, P < 0.001; η²=0.111); CAIT (F = 13.869, P < 0.001; η²=0.019); and zigzag run (F = 18.760, P < 0.001; η²=0.026). The incidence of ankle sprain was 5.33% (40/750) in the BT group, significantly lower than 8.87% (68/767) in the ST group (p < 0.05). Both balance and strength training improved ankle-related function in new recruits; however, balance training provided broader benefits for dynamic stability, static balance, perceived ankle stability, and ankle sprain prevention.