NCT07421492

Postural Control in Amateur Footballers With Chronic Ankle Instability

Static and Dynamic Postural Control in Amateur Footballers With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Machine-Learning-Based Injury Risk Profiling Approach

• Status: Active Not Recruiting
• Phase: —
• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 28 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Igdir University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Male
• Age: 18 Years – 45 Years
• Healthy volunteers: —

Summary

This study will investigate static and dynamic postural control characteristics in male amateur football players with chronic ankle instability (CAI) compared with football players without ankle instability. Participants will undergo standardized biomechanical assessments using a force-platform-based postural analysis system to quantify postural sway under eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions and to evaluate direction-specific limits of stability performance. In addition to conventional between-group comparisons, objective balance and stabilization variables will be used to develop supervised machine-learning classification models. These models will examine whether athletes demonstrating CAI-like functional patterns can be identified based solely on biomechanical performance data, independent of self-reported instability questionnaires. The results are expected to enhance understanding of neuromuscular control deficits associated with chronic ankle instability and to support the development of objective, performance-based assessment approaches for football players. The aim of this study is to determine the differences in static and dynamic postural control between amateur football players with and without chronic ankle instability and to evaluate whether multidimensional biomechanical balance parameters can be used to objectively characterize CAI-related functional profiles using machine-learning-based analysis.

Conditions

• Chronic Ankle Instability, CAI

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Dynamic stabilization with Tecnobody D-Wall	Participants will undergo a non-invasive dynamic balance assessment using a force-platform-based postural analysis system. While standing on the platform, they will intentionally shift their center of pressure toward visual targets in multiple directions to evaluate voluntary postural control within stability limits. The test records total stability performance and directional control (%), test duration (s), and trunk deviation (°), reflecting proprioception and ankle stabilization capacity.
OTHER	Static Balance Test with Tecnobody D-Wall	Participants will perform a static postural stability test on a force-platform while standing quietly in an upright position under eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. The system will measure postural sway area (mm²) to quantify the ability to maintain balance with and without visual input. This assessment evaluates sensory integration and proprioceptive control associated with ankle stability.
OTHER	Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool	The Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool is a validated self-reported questionnaire consisting of 9 items used to assess perceived ankle instability during daily and sport-related activities. It evaluates symptoms such as episodes of giving-way, pain, and functional control of the ankle, with total scores ranging from 0 to 30 (lower scores indicate greater instability). The CAIT is used as a screening questionnaire to classify participants according to the presence or absence of chronic ankle instability.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-02-01
• Primary completion: 2026-02-28
• Completion: 2026-03-15
• First posted: 2026-02-19
• Last updated: 2026-02-19

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)