A Comparative Study on Sensory-Targeted Ankle Rehabilitation Strategies and Proprioceptive Training in Improving Functional Performance among Adults with Chronic Ankle Instability

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of sensory-targeted ankle rehabilitation strategies and proprioceptive training on dynamic balance and functional performance in individuals with chronic ankle instability. Methodology: A quasi-experimental study with randomized group allocation and single blinding was conducted on 52 participants with CAI. Group A (n = 26) received STARS and Group B (n = 26) underwent proprioceptive training, each for six weeks (two sessions per week). Outcomes included the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure—Activities of Daily Living (FAAM-ADL) and Sports (FAAM-Sport). Paired and independent t-tests were applied with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Both groups showed significant within-group improvements (p < 0.001). In Group A, SEBT improved from 80.16 ± 3.70 to 83.24 ± 3.76, FAAM-ADL from 68.73 ± 8.33 to 77.12 ± 5.26, and FAAM-Sport from 22.62 ± 3.63 to 29.15 ± 2.69. In Group B, SEBT increased from 81.73 ± 2.94 to 86.12 ± 3.09, FAAM-ADL from 69.58 ± 10.05 to 77.35 ± 6.86, and FAAM-Sport from 22.31 ± 3.22 to 29.88 ± 1.77. Between-group analysis showed greater SEBT improvement in the Proprioception group (mean diff = -1.31, p = 0.000), no significant difference for FAAM-ADL (p = 0.567), and superior FAAM-Sport gains in the Proprioception group (mean diff = -1.04, p = 0.032).Conclusion: Both interventions enhanced dynamic balance and functional outcomes, with proprioceptive training yielding greater improvements in SEBT and FAAM-Sport