Effect of Six Weeks Neuromuscular Training on Dynamic Postural Control and Lower Extremity Function in Male Athletes with Functional Ankle Instability

Functional ankle instability is the most common residual and debilitating symptoms of acute ankle sprain leading to lose of training and competition in athletes. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate the effect of six weeks neuromuscular training with wobble board and rocker board on dynamic postural control and self-reported function in individuals with functional ankle instability. Twenty eight male athletes from physical education faculty voluntary participated in this study and randomly assigned to a training group (n=14) and a control group (n=14). The training program consisted of six weeks progressive supervised neuromuscular training with wobble board and rocker board. Self-reported function and dynamic postural control was measured using Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) and FAAM Sport and modified star excursion balance test (MSEBT) respectively. The experimental group compared with control group had significant improvement in FAAM and FAAM Sport scores (P <0. 01) and in reach distances with the anterior، posteromedial and posterolateral directions of the MSEBT (P <0. 05). Six weeks progressive supervised neuromuscular training with wobble board and rocker board significantly improved self-reported and dynamic postural control as assessed with MSEBT in male athletes with functional ankle instability.