Effects of Hip Joint Strengthening Exercises and Lumbopelvic Stabilization Exercises on Balance and Instability of Adults with Functional Ankle Instability

Abstract

In subjects with functional ankle instability, lumbopelvic instability causes instability of the hip and lower extremities. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of a lumbopelvic stabilization exercise program on the balance and instability of adults with functional ankle instability. 30 adults with functional ankle instability were assigned to a hip joint strengthening exercise group and a lumbopelvic stabilization exercise group at random. General ankle intervention was used in the hip joint strengthening exercise group, whereas a stabilization exercise using a sling was added in the lumbopelvic stabilization exercise group. The dynamic balance ability, static balance ability, and ankle instability were measured. A Paired-sample t-test was conducted to see the within-group changes in dynamic balance, static balance, and ankle instability scale before and after the experiment. To compare the changes between groups, an independent-sample t-test was conducted. The lumbopelvic stabilization exercise group showed increased the posterior-lateral distance and the scores on foot and ankle ability measures (p<0.05). The average movement distance of the center of pressure, average movement speed, and average movement area 95% decreased significantly (p<0.05). The ankle instability instrument score decreased (p<0.05). The results suggest that existing lumbopelvic stabilization exercises not only help reduce the pain and enhance the function of the hip joint they are also an effective approach for adults with functional ankle instability. Lumbo-pelvic stabilization exercise programs that are tailored to individual characteristics, such as functional level, muscle strength, and duration of ankle injury, reduce the frequency of re-injury and stabilize ankles to improve pain and function.