Evaluating Uneven Terrain Treadmill Training to Improve Ankle Stability and Reduce Reinjury in Adults Aged 18 to 49

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating a new approach to improve rehabilitation outcomes for patients with ankle instability, particularly among those who have experienced ankle sprains. This trial compares standard physical therapy alone to physical therapy combined with training on a rocky, uneven terrain treadmill, aiming to better prepare patients for real-world challenges and reduce the risk of future ankle injuries. The study will include adults aged 18 to 49 who have chronic ankle instability or recent ankle sprains. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one receiving up to twelve sessions of progressive proprioceptive training on an uneven treadmill over about six weeks plus standard physical therapy, and the other receiving only standard physical therapy for the same period. The uneven treadmill activities may include varied walking speeds, inclines, head turning, vision challenges, multitasking, and load carrying, all adjusted by therapists based on individual tolerance and benefit. Both groups will be followed for 18 months to monitor progress and reinjury. Throughout the study, participants will undergo multiple assessments, including patient-reported outcome tools like the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure, as well as performance tests and biomechanical evaluations such as muscle activation and plantar pressure measurements. These evaluations will occur at baseline, during treatment, at discharge around six weeks, and at several follow-up points up to 18 months. Researchers will track ankle function, physical activity levels, pain, fear of movement, and reinjury rates to understand the effects of the interventions.

A Proprioceptive Training Program Using an Uneven Terrain Treadmill for Patients With Ankle Instability