NCT07283276

Effect of Functional Core Stability Training or Cognitive Training on Balance and Postural Control in Chronic Ankle Instability

Effect of Adding Functional Core Stability Training or Cognitive Training on Balance and Postural Control in Rehabilitation of Chronic Ankle Instability

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 45 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Cairo University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 30 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The purpose of the study is to investigate dynamic core stability training versus cognitive training on balance, functional performance, postural control, ankle instability scores, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, and mental workload in chronic ankle instability

Detailed description

Lateral ankle sprains (LAS) are prevalent in sports, with 40% leading to chronic ankle instability (CAI), impacting muscle coordination and balance, primarily controlled by the central nervous system (CNS). Core muscles play a vital role in stabilization and postural control, particularly for individuals with chronic ankle instability, because they significantly contribute to the risk of injury. Even with intact strength and balance, individuals with chronic ankle instability may re-injure when attention shifts, highlighting the need for dual-task training to improve postural control. Core stability training, which includes cognitive elements, has been shown to enhance muscle function and reduce instability. Training programs incorporating dual-task exercises have proven superior for improving joint position sense and postural control while addressing associated mental health issues in chronic ankle instability patients. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the effects of combining dynamic core stability exercises with cognitive training on dual-task conditions, marking a novel approach in chronic ankle instability rehabilitation.

Conditions

• Cognitive Training
• Functional Core Stability Training
• Balance; Distorted
• Postural Control
• Chronic Ankle Instability

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	strengthening exercises	Stretch the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles for 30 seconds with 3 repetitions. Strengthen all ankle muscles using TheraBand resistance for various movements (dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, inversion, and eversion) and combined movements for 3 sets of 10 repetitions, three sessions weekly for two months. The training program includes progression from seated to standing for stretching and single-limb for bipedal calf raises.
OTHER	Balance training	Challenging disc training, utilized in balance studies, begins with participants standing with slightly bent knees. The dynamic balance training comprises 9 protocols focused on tracking a moving red circular target zone using a green point cursor that represents the center of pressure. Participants shift their body weight in various directions with visual feedback on a computer screen. Over 8 weeks, participants complete 16 sessions, each lasting 20 seconds with 7 seconds of rest in between. The time spent correctly tracking the target is measured and analyzed across all protocols.
OTHER	Functional core training	Participants will receive functional core motor control (stabilization) exercise and the traditional program (consisting of stretching protocol, strengthening of all ankle muscles, and balance activities) 3 sessions per week for 2 months.
OTHER	Spinal motor control (stabilization) exercises	The training program consists of three phases: 1. \*\*Cognitive Phase (Weeks 1-2):\*\* Focuses on isolating the transversus abdominis and multifidus muscles using a biofeedback pressure device. Exercises involve isometric contractions with 10-second holds, repeated four times daily. 2. \*\*Associative Phase (Weeks 3-4):\*\* Introduces less stable exercises (e.g., quadruped and standing positions) aimed at enhancing spine neutrality. 3. \*\*Automatic Phase (Weeks 5-8):\*\* Involves dynamic movements that integrate spine control with extremity movements. Key exercises include lunges with a medicine ball, squats, and various plank variations, emphasizing co-contraction of core muscles for stability during movements.
OTHER	Cognitive training	Balance training is combined with a cognitive task involving a backward digit span test, where participants must recall and repeat sequences of numbers in reverse order, testing working memory. This test includes three difficulty levels (3-, 4-, and 5-digit sequences) performed over 35 seconds. Participants will either recall digits while maintaining static stability or after squatting upon hearing a number, with a focus on accuracy within 5 seconds. Performance is measured by the percentage of correctly recalled digits, and error scoring will be documented via video recording for each posture task.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-08-15
• Primary completion: 2026-02-01
• Completion: 2026-03-01
• First posted: 2025-12-15
• Last updated: 2025-12-15

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Egypt