Evaluation of the Effect of Balance Training on Postural Control in People with Chronic Ankle Instability Against External Disturbances

Abstract

Objectives: Ankle sprain leads to a decrease in proprioception and awareness of the sense of motion with motor consequences. On the other hand, damage to this joint is an important factor in affecting balance and consequently re-injury. Strengthening the factors that help maintain balance and posture, can be a basic strategy in the treatment of balance and postural problems, as well as injuries. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 30 patients with chronic ankle instability were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. Both groups were pre-tested and the experimental group performed core stability exercises against gravity for six weeks. Post-test was taken again from both groups. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of covariance. Statistical operations were performed at a significant level of α ≤ 0.05. Results: Postural control index in the experimental group was higher in the first position and lower than the other in the sixth position. The mean of the postural control index in the experimental group was significant compared to the control group (α ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Performing exercises for core stability or training on unstable surfaces deploying sensory receptors is likely to cause the muscles to be more actively involved and the central nervous system to receive more appropriate and effective stimuli from the nerves of different sensory receptors, and thus this exercises improve postural stability.