Balance training compared to strength training in recurrence of ankle sprains and return to function
Presentation Type
Abstract
Faculty Advisor
Fredrick Gardin
Access Type
Event
Start Date
25-4-2025 9:00 AM
End Date
25-4-2025 9:59 AM
Description
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine whether balance training or strength training is most effective in preventing the recurrence of ankle sprain and return to function. Background: Ankle sprains are the most prevalent musculoskeletal injuries in sports. This injury affects the Anterior Talofibular and Calcaneofibular ligaments, leading to weakness and instability, impairing proprioception. Balance training and strength training are common interventions used to assist in both return to function after ankle sprains and in the prevention of ankle sprain recurrence following injury. While there is substantial research on the efficacy of these rehabilitation exercises in conjunction, there is limited research on which technique may be most effective when used independently, with clinical recommendations varying. Methods: This critically appraised topic involved a systematic review of the literature, assessing studies found through a computerized search using PubMed database. Keywords searched included ankle sprain recurrence or ankle sprain return to function and balance, proprioception, postural sway, and strength training. Search criteria included full text, English, peer-reviewed, and within 5 years publication date. Results: Results showed efficacy in both techniques when utilized to treat ankle instability and weakness. Balance training allowed patients to improve both proprioception and strength, whereas strength training attributed to only strength improvement. Conclusion: The benefits of balance training were significantly greater than those of strength training when used independently for the desired outcomes. Future research is recommended to explore the long-term effects of interventions and their potential to prevent injury recurrence.
Balance training compared to strength training in recurrence of ankle sprains and return to function
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine whether balance training or strength training is most effective in preventing the recurrence of ankle sprain and return to function. Background: Ankle sprains are the most prevalent musculoskeletal injuries in sports. This injury affects the Anterior Talofibular and Calcaneofibular ligaments, leading to weakness and instability, impairing proprioception. Balance training and strength training are common interventions used to assist in both return to function after ankle sprains and in the prevention of ankle sprain recurrence following injury. While there is substantial research on the efficacy of these rehabilitation exercises in conjunction, there is limited research on which technique may be most effective when used independently, with clinical recommendations varying. Methods: This critically appraised topic involved a systematic review of the literature, assessing studies found through a computerized search using PubMed database. Keywords searched included ankle sprain recurrence or ankle sprain return to function and balance, proprioception, postural sway, and strength training. Search criteria included full text, English, peer-reviewed, and within 5 years publication date. Results: Results showed efficacy in both techniques when utilized to treat ankle instability and weakness. Balance training allowed patients to improve both proprioception and strength, whereas strength training attributed to only strength improvement. Conclusion: The benefits of balance training were significantly greater than those of strength training when used independently for the desired outcomes. Future research is recommended to explore the long-term effects of interventions and their potential to prevent injury recurrence.
Comments
Poster presentation at the 2025 Student Research Symposium.