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Combined Effects of Strengthening and Proprioceptive Training on Stability, Balance, and Proprioception Among Subjects with Chronic Ankle Instability in Different Age Groups: Evaluation of Clinical Outcome Measures

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Abstract

Background

Lateral ankle sprains are among the common injuries in the physically active population in different age groups and progress to chronic ankle instability (CAI). Accordingly, the current study assesses the effectiveness of strengthening and proprioceptive training programs on proprioception and balance in those suffering from CAI.

Design

Quasi-experimental design.

Methods

Thirty-six individuals with self-reported CAI were assigned into three groups based on age: group 1 (23 ± 1.84), group 2 (35.80 ± 1.68), group 3 (44.25 ± 4.86), then performed strength and balance exercises for 6 weeks. The study furthermore measured pre- and post-training of joint position sense (JPS), static balance, dynamic balance, chronic ankle instability tool (CAIT) and lower extremity functional scale (LEFS).

Results

Statistical analysis showed significant improvement (P < 0.01) on all outcome measures among all groups. In group 1, mainly the plantar flexion JPS improved to 3.7°, while in group 2 and group 3 the eversion JPS improved to 3.1° and 1.78° (P < 0.01). With reference to static balance with one’s eyes closed and eyes open, the improvement in group 1 was 4.46, 11.05 s, group 2 was 2.23, 7.85 s and group 3 was 1.69, 4.68 s. In relation to dynamic balance, the development in group 1 was 5.85 cm, while group 2 was 4.71 cm and group 3 was 2.49 cm. Moreover, both CAIT and LEFS showed significant differences (P < 0.01) after training.

Conclusion

This study found that combined strengthening and proprioceptive training effectively improves stability, proprioception, balance, and self-reported functional outcomes.

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Acknowledgements

This research work was funded by a Grant (R.G.P1/167/41) from the King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. C/3/139, Department of Medical Rehabilitation (Physical Therapy), College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Guraiger Campus, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

    Khalid A Alahmari, Venkata Nagaraj Kakaraparthi, Ravi Shankar Reddy, Paul Silvian, Jaya Shanker Tedla, Kanagaraj Rengaramanujam & Irshad Ahmad

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  1. Khalid A Alahmari
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Contributions

KAA and VNK—responsible for the conception and design of study, acquisition and analysis of data. VNK, RSR and PS—drafted the article and approved the final manuscript after critical revision. JST, IA and KR—contributed towards acquisition of data. All authors have critically reviewed and approved the final draft and are responsible for the content and similarity index of the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Venkata Nagaraj Kakaraparthi.

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This study involved participation of human subjects and recieved approval from Ethical Committee of King Khalid University (ECM #2019-08). 

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Alahmari, K.A., Kakaraparthi, V.N., Reddy, R.S. et al. Combined Effects of Strengthening and Proprioceptive Training on Stability, Balance, and Proprioception Among Subjects with Chronic Ankle Instability in Different Age Groups: Evaluation of Clinical Outcome Measures. JOIO 55 (Suppl 1), 199–208 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43465-020-00192-6

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