The Effect of Balance Training Following STARS on Postural Control

The Effect of Balance Training Following STARS on Postural Control and Function in Athletes With Chronic Ankle Instability

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is defined as the symptoms continuing 12 months after the first sprain and the functional and/or mechanical instability reported by the individual. The number of researches that include a combined treatment approach that will affect both sensory and motor components in rehabilitation strategies applied for CAI is limited.

The aim of this study is to isolated sensory, isolated motor and combined targeted approaches for the treatment of chronic ankle instability (CAI); to compare the effects on postural control, range of motion, function and kinesiophobia and to contribute to an effective approach related to the applicability of Sensory-Targeted Ankle Rehabilitation Strategies in the treatment of CAI.

Lateral ankle sprains are among the most common injuries in athletes and physically active individuals, accounting for 80% of ankle injuries. After the ankle is sprained for the first time, it becomes more prone to re-injury. Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is defined as the symptoms continuing 12 months after the first sprain and the functional and/or mechanical instability reported by the individual. Long-term ongoing CAI symptoms; It includes pain, swelling, give away that reduces the person's quality of life.

Symptoms of CAI include both motor and sensory aspects of the sensorimotor system. Despite sensory and motor deficits in sensorimotor control, researches on CAI rehabilitation have focused on either motor or sensory components. The number of researches that include a combined treatment approach that will affect both sensory and motor components in rehabilitation strategies applied for CAI is limited.

Sensory-Targeted Ankle Rehabilitation Strategies (STARS) and balance training have proven to be effective in relieving CAI-associated deficits. Although the effects of isolated STARS were positive, in a recent study, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups when the balance training given with STARS was compared with the balance training alone. However, the reason for the lack of difference between the groups may be the simultaneous application of both treatment protocols. In addition, the effects of the isolated use of the STARS combination in the treatment of CAI are still unclear and to our knowledge, there are no studies in this area.

The aim of this study is to isolated sensory, isolated motor and combined targeted approaches for the treatment of chronic ankle instability (CAI); to compare the effects on postural control, range of motion, function and kinesiophobia and to contribute to an effective approach related to the applicability of STARS in the treatment of CAI.

Inclusion Criteria:

• History of first ankle sprain more than 1 year ago

  • Having at least 2 "give away" episodes in the last 6 months
  • Identification of Functional Ankle Instability's score above 11
  • 18-25 age range
  • Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), the score of which is less than %90
  • Foot and Ankle Ability Measure Sports scale (FAAM-S), the score of which is less than %80

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of lower extremity surgery
• History of disease that may affect sensorimotor function in the lower extremity
• Musculoskeletal disorders that may affect balance