Development of an efficient rehabilitation exercise program for functional recovery in chronic ankle instability

Abstract

[Purpose] The aim of the present study was to construct an integrated rehabilitation exercise program to prevent chronic pain and improve motor ability in cases of ankle injury and re-injury. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-six male soccer players who required functional strength exercises due to repeated ankle injury were the subjects. A 12-week rehabilitation exercise program was constructed with the aim of improving muscle strength in the ankle and dynamic coordination of the lower limb. Muscle strength and dynamic coordination were evaluated using the Y Balance Test, and isokinetic muscle strength of ankle dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, and eversion were measured before and after the 12-week program. [Results] Following 12 weeks of rehabilitation exercise, there were statistically significant improvements in the ratios of dorsiflexor strength to plantarflexor strength, eversion strength, and inversion strength on the left side. The other variables showed no significant changes. [Conclusion] The rehabilitation exercise program for chronic ankle instability helped to reduce pain, and to restore normal joint range of motion, muscle strength and endurance, and functional ability. Active protocols to improve complex functions need to be developed to complement these results.

Improvement of Mobility, Strength, Stability and Pain in Soccer Players with Recurrent Ankle Sprains Through Myofascial Release, Strength Exercises and Taping: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

“…Improvements in perceived pain observed in both groups separately and the repeated-measures analysis have been previously reported in studies applying manual therapy to the fascial tissue [35]. In the same way, a protocol of exercises using stretch bands, weights, plyometric and proprioceptive exercises in people with chronic ankle instability has shown improvements in range of motion in ankle plantar exion and dorsi exion, reducing pain [18].…”

“…Ankle sprains represent in soccer practice one of the injuries leading to the greatest loss of training time. To reduce the risk of injury in an unstable ankle, as a result of restricted range of motion or poor stability, balance should be improved [17], attempting to reduce perceived pain by increasing strength [18].…”

“…Different physiotherapy techniques such as electrostimulation, ultrasound and manual therapy are used to reduce pain and accelerate functional recovery in athletes with ankle sprains in the subacute phase [16]. Balance and stability training has shown [17] its effectiveness in reducing the risk of unstable ankle injuries, by reducing pain and increasing muscle strength and endurance [18]. Similarly, training the joints adjacent to the injured ankle joint should be considered [19].…”

Ultrasound Imaging of Crural Fascia and Epimysial Fascia Thicknesses in Basketball Players with Previous Ankle Sprains Versus Healthy Subjects

“…Range of motion (ROM), the maximum distance a joint can move, is a significant feature of musculoskeletal health, and international guidelines support regular exercise to preserve or recondition the physiology [ 19 , 20 , 21 ].…”

Assessment of the Relationship between Y-Balance Test and Stabilometric Parameters in Youth Footballers

“…Another way to assess dynamic balance is the star excursion balance test (SEBT), which is carried out by using lines placed on the floor [ 5 – 7 ] or by using the Y-Balance Kit. Thus, the SEBT test—using the Y-Balance Kit—is often referred to in research as the Y-balance test (Y-BT) [ 8 – 10 ]. The Y-BT evaluates a user's ability to maintain balance while performing movements in the anterior, posterolateral, and posteromedial directions.…”