Evaluation of the effect of balance training on postural control in people with chronic ankle instability against external disturbances

An ankle sprain leads to a decrease in proprioception and awareness of the sense of motion and has motor consequences. On the other hand, damage to this joint is an important factor in reducing balance and consequently re-injury. Strengthening the effective factors in maintaining balance and controlling posture, including profundity, can be a basic strategy in the treatment of balance and postural problems, as well as injuries.

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 balance exercises against perturbation for six weeks. Post-test was retaken from both groups. Data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of covariance. Statistical operations were performed by SPSS software version 22 at a significant level of α≤0.05.

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].

Performing balance exercises or training on unstable surfaces with the involvement of 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 control.