Comparative Effects of Neuromuscular- and Strength-Training Protocols on Pathomechanical, Sensory-Perceptual, and Motor-Behavioral Impairments in Patients with Chronic Ankle Instability: Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

(1) Background: Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a complex condition that includes limited mobility, perceived instability, and recurrent ankle sprains are common characteristics that reduce the quality of life in subjects who suffer from CAI. Neuromuscular training and strength training have been recommended in CAI management interventions. However, there are contradictory findings on results when comparing neuromuscular training, strength training, and the control group. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of 8 weeks of neuromuscular intervention training, strength training, and no intervention in a sporting population with reported CAI. (2) Methods: Sixty-seven athletes with CAI were randomly assigned to a neuromuscular training group (NG), strength training group (SG), or control group (CG). Participants completed 8 weeks of neuromuscular training (a combination of static and dynamic exercises), strength training (resistance band exercises), or no training. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks and included selfs-reported instability feeling (CAIT), dynamic balance (SEBT), ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (WBLT), and functional status (FAAM and FAAM-SPORT). (3) Results: There were significant differences between strength and control groups in the posteromedial direction of SEBT, FAAM, and FAAM-SPORT after 8 weeks of intervention. (4) Conclusions: Neuromuscular training and strength training based on resistance bands exercises showed significant improvements in ankle dorsiflexion, subjective feeling of instability, functional status, and dynamic balance in patients with CAI.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of balance training in patients with chronic ankle instability

“…There is no significant heterogeneity between the research results of the CAIT questionnaire, but due to the insufficient number of included studies, more high-quality studies are needed. Activities of daily living and motor function can effectively reflect the activity and participation ability of patients [ 36 – 38 ]. FAAM is a very widely used scale to evaluate the functional activity ability caused by ankle joint-related injuries of lower limbs, which includes two self-assessment scales for the activity function in daily life and during exercise [ 39 , 40 ].…”

Effect of kinesio taping intervention on the muscle strength and balance of college basketball players with functional ankle instability

“…An ankle sprain is the main ankle injury in sports. The incidence of ankle injury is 76.7%, accounting for 10%–17% of all joint injuries in college athletes ( Kim et al, 2022 ; Serra-Añó et al, 2021 ; D'Hooghe et al, 2020 ). Lateral ankle joint injury is one of the most common injuries ( Doherty et al, 2017 ; Herzog et al, 2019 ; Alshahrani and Reddy, 2022 ).…”

Effects of 12 weeks of Tai Chi Chuan intervention on the postural stability and self-reported instability in subjects with functional ankle instability: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

“…From the perspective of clinical utility, it is extremely interesting to see which intervention is more effective as clinicians always want to be able to select the best intervention for patients with FAI. Theoretically, patients with FAI are a series of complex clinical syndromes resulting from the interaction of pathomechanical, sensory perceptual, and motor behavior impairments ( 19 , 20 ). Balance training alone may only achieve partial therapeutic effects.…”