The Effect of Balance Training in People With Functional Ankle Instability (FAI)

The Effect of Balance Training in People With Functional Ankle Instability

Ankle sprain is the most occurring sport related injury. In addition, 40% of the people who sustain such an injury display residual symptoms under the general denominator functional ankle instability (FAI). In literature, there is already given a lot of attention to extrinsic and intrinsic risk factors of FAI. Furthermore, there is a major focus on the possible interventions which may be able to reduce the chance of developing chronic instability. At this moment there is a lack of unequivocality.

In this study the investigators address the question of what is the effect of a balance training programme on the movement strategy. Therefore kinematics, kinetics, plantar pressure measurements and muscle activity are taken in consideration The purpose of this study is a better insight in the effect of treatment on the residual symptoms related to FAI.

Inclusion Criteria:

• a history of more than 1 unilateral ankle sprain
• presence of feeling of 'giving way'
• a feeling of weakness around the ankle
• a decreased functional participation

Exclusion Criteria:

• ankle fracture
• ankle surgery
• lower limb pain (not related to an ankle sprain)
• ankle distortion in the last 3 months
• currently receiving treatment
• disturbance of equilibrium