Actively Recruiting
Cross-Education Effect of Structured Balance Training Program on Spinal and Supraspinal Control in Athletes With Chronic Ankle Instability
Led by Ayca Yagcioglu · Updated on 2025-03-27
30
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
4 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
A
Ayca Yagcioglu
Lead Sponsor
Y
Yeditepe University
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating chronic ankle instability (CAI) in athletes, a condition often resulting from repeated ankle sprains that affect neuromuscular control such as proprioception and strength. Damage to ankle ligaments and nerves may alter the nervous system, causing balance and joint stability problems. The study aims to explore how unilateral balance training might improve control at spinal and brain levels through a process called cross-education. The study involves a 6-week structured balance training program consisting of seven exercises focused on balance and hop stabilization. Participants with unilateral CAI will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: training on the stable ankle, training on the unstable ankle, or no intervention. This approach helps researchers understand the effects of the training on both the injured and uninjured sides. Participants will be evaluated at the start and end of the 8-week intervention period using assessments of proprioception, brain stimulation, and reflexes. Additional measures include questionnaires on ankle instability and foot and ankle function. The study monitors changes in static and dynamic balance and neural excitability to determine how the training impacts ankle stability and control.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Spinal and Supraspinal Control in Chronic Ankle Instability
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Volunteering to participate in the study
- Being an athlete between the ages of 18-25
- Playing a field team sport such as basketball, volleyball, or handball
- Having a history of at least 2 significant grade II lateral ankle sprains diagnosed by a physician
- Experiencing related inflammatory symptoms or "giving away" sensation with a score of 25 or less on the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool
- Scoring less than 90% on the activities of daily living subscale and less than 80% on the sport subscale of the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure
- Having recurrent episodes of lateral ankle sprains on the injured ankle within the past 12 months
You will not qualify if you...
- Having an acute injury of lower extremity musculoskeletal structures in the last three months
- Having had orthopedic surgery in any of the lower extremities
- Having bilateral ankle instability
- Having a vestibular or balance disorder
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 8 weeks
Participants undergo a structured balance training protocol consisting of 7 exercises including balance and hop stabilization exercises targeted to either the stable or unstable ankle depending on group assignment. The control group does not receive any intervention.
Visits at baseline and end of the 8-week intervention
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye), 34718
Actively Recruiting
2
Yeditepe University
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye), 34755
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Ayca Yagcioglu, MSc
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
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