Tai Chi exercises to improve function in people with chronic ankle instability
Simplified Tai Chi Exercises to Improve Function in People with Chronic Ankle Instability
This study tests if a four-week Tai Chi program can help people with chronic ankle instability improve their balance and overall function.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Loughborough University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Loughborough, Leicester) |
| Trial ID | NCT06682897 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This trial evaluates the effectiveness of a simplified four-week Tai Chi training program aimed at improving function in individuals with chronic ankle instability. Participants will engage in both Tai Chi training and a self-management control for four weeks each, with assessments conducted at regular intervals to measure muscle activation, proprioception, muscle strength, balance, and quality of life. The study utilizes a crossover design, allowing all participants to experience both interventions while maintaining their usual activities.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18 to 40 with a history of significant lateral ankle sprains and ongoing instability symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients with previous lower limb fractures, surgeries, or other disorders affecting lower limb function may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance ankle stability and overall quality of life for patients with chronic ankle instability.
How similar studies have performed: While Tai Chi has been widely practiced for health benefits, this specific approach for chronic ankle instability is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in similar studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: * Aged from 18 to 40 * A history of at least one significant lateral ankle sprain was associated with inflammatory symptoms (pain, swelling, etc) and disrupted activity * The initial sprain must have occurred at least 12 months prior to study enrolment * The most recent injury must have occurred more than 3 months prior to study enrolment * Reports of feeling instable or "giving way" during daily activities or physical activities and experienced at least 2 episodes in the 6 months prior to study enrolment * Scoring ≤25 on the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool Exclusion criteria: * Any previous fractures or surgeries on the lower limbs * Have other muscle, joint or nerve disorders that affect the function of the lower limbs * Chest pain at rest, dizziness during rest, heart condition, or doctor's advice not to exercise without medical supervision * Currently enrolled in other ankle rehabilitation programmes * Already a Tai Chi practitioner * Pregnant * Allergic to adhesive tapes
Where this trial is running
Loughborough, Leicester
- Loughborough University — Loughborough, Leicester, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Qian Qian
- Email: Q.Qian@lboro.ac.uk
- Phone: 07536232215
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.