Effect of Kinesthetic Imagery Training and Visual Imagery training on Balance and Foot Pressure in Adults with Functional Ankle Instability

Abstract

Imagery training has similar effects to those of actual exercise therapy. In this study, two types of imagery training were administered to adults with functional ankle instability (FAI). Kinesthetic imagery training involves imagery around the self, while visual imagery training involves imagery around someone else. Eight-week imagery training intervention comprising four 30-minute sessions a week was administered to two randomly divided groups. The Biorescue program was used to measure foot pressure and stability limits before and after the intervention. The statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS statistical software package(version 23.0;SPSS). In the kinesthetic imagery training group, there was a significant difference on the left side before versus after foot print pressure. In the visual imagery training group, there was a significant difference on the left and right sides before versus after foot print pressure. In both groups, there was a significant difference in left back and right front before versus after foot pressure. There was no significant difference before versus after the limit of stability program. This study found that adults with FAI experience a balance effect through either approach but there was no significant difference between them. The two imagery training approaches are economical alternatives to balance rehabilitation for FAI.