Improving balance and control in athletes with chronic ankle instability

Cross-Education Effect of Structured Balance Training Program on Spinal and Supraspinal Control in Athletes With Chronic Ankle Instability

Not applicable Interventional Yeditepe University · NCT06898554

This study tests if a special balance training program can help young athletes with chronic ankle instability improve their stability and control after multiple ankle sprains.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 25 Years
SexAll
SponsorYeditepe University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Istanbul and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06898554 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study focuses on athletes aged 18-25 who have experienced multiple significant ankle sprains leading to chronic ankle instability (CAI). It aims to assess the effects of a structured balance training protocol on neuromuscular control deficits associated with CAI. The intervention is based on the concept of cross-education, where training one limb can benefit the other, potentially improving overall stability and strength. Participants will be evaluated for their balance and control before and after the intervention to determine the effectiveness of the rehabilitation approach.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are athletes aged 18-25 who have a history of multiple significant ankle sprains and exhibit symptoms of chronic ankle instability.

Not a fit: Patients with acute lower extremity injuries, recent orthopedic surgeries, or bilateral ankle instability may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance rehabilitation strategies for athletes suffering from chronic ankle instability, leading to improved performance and reduced injury recurrence.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that rehabilitation strategies targeting neuromuscular control can lead to significant improvements in patients with chronic ankle instability, suggesting a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Volunteering to participate in the study,
* Being an athlete between the ages of 18-25,
* Being a player in a field team sport such as basketball, volleyball, and handball,
* Having a history of at least 2 significant grade II LAS diagnosed by a physician,
* Related inflammatory symptoms, "giving away" sensation, obtaining a score ≤25 from the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT),
* A score \<90% for the activities of daily living subscale and \<80% for the sport subscale from the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure,
* Recurrent episodes of LAS of the injured ankle which occurred within at least 12 months.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Acute injury of lower extremity musculoskeletal structures in the last three months,
* Orthopedic surgery in any of the lower extremities,
* Bilateral ankle instability,
* Vestibular or balance disorder

Where this trial is running

Istanbul and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Ankle InjuriesAnkle Sprainsankle, joint instability, cross-education, rehabilitation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.