Study of Functional Core Stability and Cognitive Training to Improve Balance and Postural Control in Adults with Chronic Ankle Instability

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how dynamic core stability training compares to cognitive training in improving balance, functional performance, postural control, ankle instability, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, and mental workload in people with chronic ankle instability. This condition often follows a lateral ankle sprain and affects muscle coordination and balance controlled by the central nervous system. Incorporating cognitive elements into core stability training may help reduce the risk of re-injury by improving postural control, especially under dual-task conditions. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups traditional rehabilitation plus functional core stability exercises, traditional rehabilitation plus cognitive training, or a combination of both functional core stability and cognitive training. The interventions include stretching and strengthening exercises for ankle muscles, balance training with visual feedback, functional core motor control exercises, spinal motor control exercises progressing through cognitive, associative, and automatic phases, and cognitive tasks involving backward digit span tests. Treatments occur three times weekly over two months. During the study, participants will undergo assessments at the start and after two months, measuring pain, ankle instability, foot function, functional performance, postural control, balance, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, and mental workload. Researchers will monitor progress through these evaluations to understand how each training type affects rehabilitation outcomes for chronic ankle instability. The total participation lasts two months with regular sessions and evaluations throughout.

Effect of Functional Core Stability Training or Cognitive Training on Balance and Postural Control in Chronic Ankle Instability