Ankle Strengthening in Athletes With Chronic Ankle Instability

China Medical University

Status: Invitation-only

Conditions: Chronic Ankle Instability, CAI; Athletes

Treatments: Other: Strengthening

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06801483

CMUH112-REC1-116(AR1)

NSTC 113-2410-H-039-015 - (Other Grant/Funding Number)

Details and patient eligibility

About

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a common complication following an ankle sprain, affecting joint stability and leading to decreased muscle strength and poor neuromuscular control. These symptoms can significantly impact athletes' sports performance. Rehabilitation training for CAI majorly involves strengthening or balance training. Few studies have discussed treatment plans that combine the above two training, and the effectiveness of combined training is similar to that of single training content. Due to the lack of machines to train ankle strength, thera-bands were often used for ankle strengthening. However, the resistance thera-bands provide is limited and may need more for athletes requiring high-intensity training. In recent years, a local company has developed a multiaxial ankle training system for machine-based ankle strengthening. This machine allows for training the ankle joint in various directions while sitting and can provide greater training resistance. As this machine has recently been developed and there is seldom evidence for its use in training, this project aims to discuss the effectiveness of using the ankle training machine in athletes with chronic ankle instability. This study will compare the differences in muscle strength, morphology, muscle material properties, balance ability, and functional performance of athletes after a six-week combined training program with thera-band or the multiaxial ankle training system for providing resistance. Thereby establishing a training plan for athletes suffering from chronic ankle instability.

Enrollment: 80 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 28 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Unilateral CAI: Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) score ≤ 24
• Age between 18 and 28 years
• Engages in sports training at least 3 days a week, for more than 1 hour each session
• Able to perform training and assessment movements

Exclusion criteria

• Bilateral CAI
• Less than 6 months since the first ankle sprain
• Acute ankle sprain within the last 6 weeks
• Foot or ankle surgery within the last 3 months
• Neuromuscular diseases.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Other

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Crossover Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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80 participants in 2 patient groups

multiaxial ankle training system

Experimental group

Description:

These subjects will train their ankle strength by the multiaxial ankle training system

Treatment:

Other: Strengthening

thera-band

Active Comparator group

Description:

These subjects will train their ankle strength by thera-band

Treatment:

Other: Strengthening