Study of Neurocognitive Ankle Training to Improve Function and Reduce Injuries in Adults with Chronic Ankle Instability

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of a new ankle rehabilitation program called NATION for physically active individuals with chronic ankle instability CAI. CAI often follows repeated ankle sprains and causes ongoing pain, instability, and difficulty with physical activity. This study aims to compare the NATION program, which includes neurocognitive exercises, against a standard evidence-based rehabilitation and a no-treatment control group to see if it improves clinical health outcomes, reduces injuries, and helps maintain active duty status in military and civilian participants. The study has three groups the NATION intervention group, an evidence-based rehabilitation group without neurocognitive exercises, and a control group continuing their normal routine. Both rehabilitation groups undergo a 6-week program with up to 18 unsupervised home sessions and 12 supervised sessions that include exercises for range of motion, strength, balance, and ankle care. The NATION group adds neurocognitive tasks to address brain function alongside physical rehabilitation. The control group does not receive these interventions. Participants will be assessed at the start, after 6 weeks, and at 6 months for clinical measures like ankle strength, balance, motor cognition, range of motion, and sensation. They will also complete questionnaires about pain, function, fear, quality of life, and injury history. Active-duty service members will report on their confidence to deploy. Medical records will be checked for surgery related to CAI for up to 5 years. Participant workload during therapy and satisfaction with the programs will also be measured. The total participation involves supervised sessions over 6 weeks and follow-ups extending to several months and years for surgical outcomes.

Neurocognitive Ankle Training for Instability to Optimize Neuromusculoskeletal Outcomes (NATION)