Conclusions The main findings from this systematic review were balance training provided the most consistent improvements in self-reported function for patients with CAI
Objective To identify which therapeutic intervention may be most effective for improving self-reported function in patients with chronic ankle instability ( CAI ) .
Rehabilitation for Chronic Ankle Instability With or Without Destabilization Devices: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
CONTEXT Individuals with chronic ankle instability ( CAI ) have deficits in neuromuscular control and altered movement patterns . Ankle-destabilization devices have been shown to increase lower extremity muscle activity during functional tasks and may be useful tools for improving common deficits and self-reported function . OBJECTIVE To determine whether a 4-week rehabilitation program that includes destabilization devices has greater effects on self-reported function , range of motion ( ROM ) , strength , and balance than rehabilitation without devices in patients with CAI . DESIGN R and omized controlled clinical trial . SETTING Laboratory . PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS A total of 26 patients with CAI ( 7 men , 19 women ; age = 21.34 ± 3.06 years , height = 168.96 ± 8.77 cm , mass = 70.73 ± 13.86 kg ) . INTERVENTION(S ) Patients completed baseline measures and were r and omized into no-device and device groups . Both groups completed 4 weeks of supervised , impairment-based progressive rehabilitation with or without devices and then repeated baseline measures . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S ) We assessed self-reported function using the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure . Ankle ROM was measured with an inclinometer . Ankle strength was assessed using a h and held dynamometer during maximal voluntary isometric contractions . Balance was measured using a composite score of 3 reach directions from the Star Excursion Balance Test and a force plate to calculate center of pressure during eyes-open and eyes-closed single-limb balance . We compared each dependent variable using a 2 × 2 ( group × time ) analysis of variance and post hoc tests as appropriate and set an a priori α level at .05 . The Hedges g effect sizes and associated 95 % confidence intervals were calculated . RESULTS We observed no differences between the no-device and device groups for any measure . However , both groups had large improvements in self-reported function and ankle strength . CONCLUSIONS Incorporating destabilization devices into rehabilitation did not improve ankle function more effectively than traditional rehabilitation tools because both interventions result ed in similar improvements . Impairment-based progressive rehabilitation improved clinical outcomes associated with CAI
Conclusions The main findings from this systematic review were balance training provided the most consistent improvements in self-reported function for patients with CAI
Objective To identify which therapeutic intervention may be most effective for improving self-reported function in patients with chronic ankle instability ( CAI ) .