A multi-station proprioceptive exercise program in patients with ankle instability

Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2001 Dec;33(12):1991-8. doi: 10.1097/00005768-200112000-00003.

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a 6-wk multi-station proprioceptive exercise program that is easy to integrate in normal training programs.

Methods: Patients with chronic ankle instability were used, and results of three testing procedures before and afterward were compared: joint position sense, postural sway, and muscle reaction times to sudden inversion events on a tilting platform. A total of 30 subjects with 48 unstable feet were evaluated (exercise group: N = 31; control group: N = 17).

Results: In the exercise group, the results showed a significant improvement in joint position sense and postural sway as well as significant changes in muscle reaction times.

Conclusion: Based on the present results, a multi-station proprioceptive exercise program can be recommended for prevention and rehabilitation of recurrent ankle inversion injuries.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Ankle Injuries / rehabilitation*
  • Electromyography
  • Exercise Therapy / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Joint Instability / rehabilitation*
  • Leg / physiology
  • Male
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiopathology
  • Posture / physiology
  • Program Evaluation
  • Proprioception*
  • Reaction Time
  • Sprains and Strains / rehabilitation*
  • Treatment Outcome