Effectiveness of exercise therapy on chronic ankle instability: a meta-analysis

Review written by Dr Chris Bleakley info

Key Points

  1. Exercise based interventions are more effective than controls at improving subjective and objective markers of instability in patients with chronic ankle instability.
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Lateral ankle sprains (LASs) are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries. Optimal management typically involves exercise-based rehabilitation, ideally initiated in the early stages after injury. However, it is estimated that at least 50% of individuals with LAS do not receive adequate rehabilitation, increasing the risk of long-term sequelae such as chronic ankle instability (CAI). Patients with CAI frequently present to physiotherapists with feelings of instability, impaired balance, and recurrent injury.

This systematic review and meta-analysis (MA) investigated the effectiveness of exercise-based rehabilitation for CAI. The authors also evaluated which specific type of exercise (e.g. strength, proprioceptive) are most effective in addressing key impairments associated with CAI.

Lateral ankle sprains are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries.
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The most effective interventions incorporated either wobble board training or hip strengthening exercises.

METHODS

  • The authors conducted a rigorous electronic literature search and included 15 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), comprising 586 participants with CAI.
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