Vestibo-ocular exercises added to balance training for 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 interventional study investigates whether adding vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) exercises to a postural stabilization program improves balance and neuromuscular control in young adults with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Participants perform a structured training program that combines postural stabilization with VOR activities designed to challenge gaze stability during head movements, while also measuring cognitive load effects through dual-task scenarios. Outcomes focus on balance performance, ankle function, and possibly sensory reweighting between visual, vestibular, and somatosensory inputs. The study considers how neurocognitive factors such as attention and processing speed relate to functional ankle stability.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Being between 18 and 35 years of age.
* Being classified as a Tier 2 athlete according to the McKay et al. Participant Classification Framework (trained/developmental level).
* Having a history of at least one lateral ankle sprain (LAS) occurring at least 12 months before enrollment, resulting in swelling, pain, and functional impairment, and followed by persistent instability.
* Having the most recent ankle sprain at least 3 months before study enrollment.
* Having a history of recurrent ankle sprains or episodes of "giving way."
* Having a diagnosis of unilateral chronic ankle instability (CAI).
* Having a Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool - Turkish Version (CAIT-T) score of ≤24.
* Having a Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) score of \<90%.
* Having a Foot and Ankle Ability Measure Sports subscale (FAAM-S) score of \<80%.
* A side-to-side difference of ≥2.5 cm in Weight-Bearing Lunge Test distance, with the affected side demonstrating less dorsiflexion than the unaffected side.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of acute lateral ankle sprain within the last 3 months.
* History of lower extremity surgery.
* History of acute injury to other musculoskeletal structures of the lower extremity joints within the last 3 months that affected joint integrity and function and caused interruption of desired physical activity for at least one day.
* History of balance or vestibular disorders, including cerebellar, vestibular, cochlear, or inner ear dysfunction.
* Visual problems that may affect the administration or interpretation of the Dynamic Visual Acuity Test, including a history of amblyopia, diplopia, or significant visual loss.
* Persistent symptoms related to a previous concussion or traumatic brain injury.

Where it's running

• Reset Fizyoterapi
  Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Mustafa Fatih Çetintaş, PT, PhD (c) — Bahçeşehir University
• Study coordinator: Pelin Pisirici, PT, PhD
• Email: pelin.pisirici@bau.edu.tr
• Phone: 05055016076

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Vestibulo-ocular reflex exercises added to postural training for amateur athletes with chronic ankle instability

  This test checks whether adding vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) exercises to standard postural stabilization helps amateur athletes with chronic ankle instability.

  Recruiting Bahçeşehir University · Istanbul, Turkey · NCT07760233

• Hip muscle strengthening for chronic ankle instability in athletes

  This study tests whether strengthening the hip muscles (gluteus medius vs. gluteus maximus) helps improve ankle stability and function in professional athletes with chronic ankle instability.

  Recruiting Hacettepe University · Ankara, Çankaya · NCT07319403

• Improving balance and control in athletes with chronic ankle instability

  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.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Yeditepe University · Istanbul and 1 other locations · NCT06898554

• Auditory biofeedback gait training for chronic ankle instability

  This test will try using sound feedback during walking, rucking, and running to improve gait mechanics and reduce giving-way episodes in physically active adults with chronic ankle instability.

  Recruiting University of Kentucky · Lexington, Kentucky and 1 other locations · NCT06868316

• Mobile app for recovery guidance in children with ankle sprains

  This study is testing whether a smartphone app can help kids and young adults recover better from ankle sprains compared to just using a paper handout.

  Recruiting London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's · London, Ontario · NCT05785533

• Comparing different surgical methods for chronic ankle instability

  This study tests which of three different surgical methods works best for people with chronic ankle instability and loose joints to help them feel stronger and more stable.

  Recruiting Peking University Third Hospital · Beijing · NCT05698446

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.