Cervical and Eye-Movement Exercises to Help Chronic Ankle Instability

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial investigates whether incorporating cervical (neck) and oculomotor (eye movement) exercises with conventional treatment improves ankle functional status, balance, and proprioception in adults with chronic ankle instability. Participants must have a history of significant ankle sprains, ongoing instability, and a CAIT score of 25 or less. The study compares added neck/eye exercises to conventional care alone, focusing on functional outcomes and sensorimotor skills relevant to ankle stability. Exclusion criteria include prior lower-extremity surgery or acute injuries in the past 3 months. Conducted at Izmir Katip Celebi University and collaborating center, the trial seeks to determine if a upper-body–directed exercise approach can augment rehabilitation for CAI.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed with unilateral chronic ankle instability (CAI) in accordance with the International Ankle Consortium recommendations
* A history of at least one significant lateral ankle sprain that occurred at least 12 months prior to participation, resulting in inflammatory symptoms such as pain and swelling and causing at least one day of interruption in physical activity
* A history of "giving way" and/or recurrent ankle sprains and/or a feeling of instability in the affected ankle within the past 6 months
* A Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) score of ≤ 25

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of surgery or fracture in the lower extremities or spine
* Acute musculoskeletal injury affecting other joints of the lower extremity within the past 3 months (e.g., sprains, fractures) that impaired joint integrity and function and caused at least one day of interruption in physical activity
* History of injection in the affected ankle
* History of ankle sprain in the affected extremity within the past 4 weeks
* Presence of systemic musculoskeletal disorders, neurological disorders, vestibular disorders, or any other condition that may affect balance or sensory function
* Previous participation in any rehabilitation program for the ankle or cervical region
* History of head or neck trauma or diagnosed pathology within the past 12 months
* History of neck pain greater than 3/10 in severity within the past 12 months

Where it's running

• Izmir Katip Celebi University Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department
  Izmir, Çiğli, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Simge N UNGAN, Physiotherapist (Bachelor) — Izmir Katip Çelebi University
• Study coordinator: Simge N UNGAN, Phsiotherapist
• Email: ungansimgenur@gmail.com
• Phone: +90 507 648 5776

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.