Effects of Cervical and Oculomotor Exercises Added to Conventional Treatment on Ankle Functional Status, Balance, and Proprioception in Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Randomized Controlled Trial

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the effects of adding cervical stabilization and eye movement exercises to a standard rehabilitation program for individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI). The study compares how these combined exercises impact ankle function, balance, and body awareness, addressing ongoing issues like recurrent ankle sprains and instability in affected individuals. The trial is a randomized controlled study evaluating these exercise approaches over a set period. Participants are randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving conventional rehabilitation plus cervical and oculomotor exercises or a control group receiving only the conventional rehabilitation program. Both groups participate in therapy sessions three times a week for four weeks, with additional home exercises on non-clinic days. The conventional program includes ankle mobility, strengthening, balance, and proprioceptive exercises, while the experimental group adds cervical stabilization and eye movement exercises. Throughout the study, participants undergo assessments at the start and after four weeks, including balance tests like the Y-Balance Test, functional ability measures such as the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure, and proprioception evaluations. Secondary measures include joint position error tests, computerized balance assessments, hop tests, and pain evaluations. These outcomes help researchers understand the effects of adding cervical and oculomotor exercises to standard care. The total participation time is four weeks, with close monitoring of functional changes and balance improvements.

Effects of Cervical and Oculomotor Exercises on Functional Status, Balance, and Proprioception in Chronic Ankle Instability