A multi-station proprioceptive exercise program in patients with ankle instability.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a 6-wk multi-station proprioceptive exercise program that is easy to integrate in normal training programs. Patients with chronic ankle instability were used, and results of three testing procedures before and afterward were compared: joint position sense, postural sway, and muscle reaction times to sudden inversion events on a tilting platform. A total of 30 subjects with 48 unstable feet were evaluated (exercise group: N = 31; control group: N = 17). In the exercise group, the results showed a significant improvement in joint position sense and postural sway as well as significant changes in muscle reaction times. Based on the present results, a multi-station proprioceptive exercise program can be recommended for prevention and rehabilitation of recurrent ankle inversion injuries.