Vestibulo-ocular reflex exercises added to postural training for amateur athletes with 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

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) persists after lateral ankle sprains and involves motor, sensory, and psychological factors affecting function. The trial investigates whether incorporating vestibulo-ocular reflex exercises into postural stabilization improves dynamic balance and sport-specific sensorimotor control in amateur athletes. Participants complete a postural stabilization program, with or without added VOR training, to see if the combined approach enhances gaze stability and visuomotor performance during dynamic tasks. Outcomes focus on sensorimotor control, functional measures, and relevant clinical scales in CAI. The study adopts an interventional design in a real-world athletic setting to inform rehabilitation strategies for CAI.

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, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Mustafa Fatih Çetintaş, PT, PhD (c) — Bahçeşehir University
• Study coordinator: Mustafa Fatih Çetintaş, PT, PhD (c)
• Email: mfcetintas@gmail.com
• Phone: +905336654580

Similar studies

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

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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.