The Effects of Balance Training on Postural Sensory Organization against External Disturbances in People with Chronic Ankle Instability

Injury to the ankle sensorimotor control system and impairment in the integration of sensory information and awareness of the sense of motion is an important factor in reducing balance and consequently re-injury. This study aimed to investigate the effects of balance training on postural sensory organization against external disturbances in people with chronic ankle instability.

In this quasi-experimental study, 30 male athletes with chronic ankle instability purposefully selected and randomly divided into experimental and control groups. Both groups were pre-tested and the experimental group had six weeks of balance training. Against the perturbation, post-test performed again on both groups, using a dynamic computerized post-chromography device to measure postural organization. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance. Statistical operations performed by SPSS software version 22 at a significant level of 0.05.

The score of postural sensory organization in the experimental group in the first condition is higher than other conditions and in the sixth condition is lower than other conditions. The mean score of postural sensory organization in the exercise group was significant compared to the control group (Pvalue≤0.05).

The results showed that the subjects in the exercise group had better sensory organization against external disturbances than the control group. Motion control and faster sending of sensory information, which ultimately leads to improved postural sensory organization.