Comparing Ankle, Hip, and Combined Strengthening for Chronic Ankle Instability in Adults Aged 18 to 35

What this Trial Is About

Chronic ankle instability CAI commonly develops after a lateral ankle sprain and causes symptoms like ankle giving way, weakness, and instability that can limit daily activities and sports. Up to 40% of people who sprain their ankle may experience recurrence within a year, with around 30% developing persistent symptoms. This study investigates which of three muscle strengthening programsankle-focused, hip-focused, or combined ankle-hipbest improves function, strength, balance, and ankle mobility in people with CAI aged 18 to 35 years. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups after a baseline assessment. Each group completes a four-week program with three supervised sessions per week using isometric exercises measured by a handheld dynamometer. The ankle program targets plantarflexion, dorsiflexion, inversion, and eversion the hip program targets hip abductors, external rotators, and extensors and the combined program alternates these exercises. Each session includes a warm-up, familiarization, and high-intensity isometric contractions. Participants attend three assessment visits before training, immediately after the four-week program, and at a follow-up time point. Assessments include functional questionnaires, sports participation reports, and tests of ankle and hip muscle strength, endurance Heel Rise Test, balance Modified Y-Balance Test, agility Side Hop Test, and ankle dorsiflexion mobility Weight-Bearing Lunge Test. Data are securely stored anonymized for 20 years, and participation is voluntary with the option to withdraw at any time.

Ankle vs. Hip vs. Combined Strengthening in Chronic Ankle Instability