Backward walking versus balance training in patients with chronic ankle instability: A randomized controlled trial

• ElGayar, Heba A. ^[1] ; Mohamed, Rania R. ^[1] ; Abd-Allah, Ghada A. ; Azzam, Amr A. ; Raoof, Neveen A. Abdel ^[1]
  1. [1] Cairo University

     Cairo University

     Egipto

     
• Localización: Revista iberoamericana de psicología del ejercicio y el deporte, ISSN 1886-8576, Vol. 19, Nº. 3, 2024, págs. 313-319
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Background: Ankle instability is a common injury, affecting the quality of life, self-reported function, ankle proprioception as well as static and dynamic balance. Purpose: to compare the efficacy of backward walking and Biodex balance training in chronic ankle instability patients. Methods: Sixty subjects participated in this study; their age ranged from 19 to 35 years. They were randomly allocated into three equal groups. Group A received a traditional physical therapy treatment in addition to backward walking training, Group B received a traditional physical therapy treatment in addition to Biodex balance training, and Group C received a traditional physical therapy treatment only (strength training, short foot exercises, heel raise exercises, and calf stretch). All groups received treatment protocols three times a week for 6 consecutive weeks. Outcome measures included the stability indices measured by the Biodex Balance System as well as ankle proprioception measured by a digital goniometer, and functional limitations by the Foot and Ankle Disability Index. Results: Post-treatment Within-Group findings revealed a statistically significant balance improvement by a decrease in the overall, anteroposterior, and medio lateral stability indices, a decrease in ankle proprioception error, as well as a significant increase in Foot and Ankle Disability Index outcomes of all 3 groups (p < 0.05). On the other hand, there were no statistically significant differences between groups A, and B related to stability indices, ankle proprioception, and Foot and Ankle Disability Index, while, there were statistically significant differences between groups A and B compared with group C. Conclusion: Backward walking training has a significant effect which appears to be similar to the Biodex balance training in improving balance, risk of fall, ankle proprioception, and decreasing functional limitations in patients with chronic ankle instability.