Effects of a 4-Week Biomechanical Ankle Platform System Protocol on Balance in High School Athletes With Chronic Ankle Instability

Abstract

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) describes the residual symptoms present after repetitive ankle sprains. Current rehabilitation programs in the high school population focus on a multistation approach or general lower-extremity injury-prevention program. Specific rehabilitation techniques for CAI have not been established. To determine the effectiveness of a 4-wk biomechanical ankle platform system (BAPS) board protocol on the balance of high school athletes with CAI. Randomized control trial. Athletic training facility. Twenty-two high school athletes with "giving way" and a history of ankle sprains (ie, CAI) were randomized into a rehabilitation (REH) (166.23 ± 0.93 cm, 67.0 ± 9.47 kg, 16.45 ± 0.93 y) or control (CON) (173.86 ± 8.88 cm, 84.51 ± 21.28 kg, 16.55 ± 1.29 y) group. After baseline measures, the REH group completed a progressive BAPS rehabilitation program (3 times/wk for 4 wk), whereas the CON group had no intervention. Each session consisted of 5 trials of clockwise/counterclockwise rotations changing direction every 10 s during each 40-s trial. After 4 wk, baseline measurements were repeated. Dependent measures included longest time (time-in-balance test), average number of errors (foot lift test), average reach distance (cm) normalized to leg length for each reach direction (Star Excursion Balance Test [SEBT]), and fastest time (side hop test [SHT]). Significant group-by-time interactions were found for TIB (F1,20 = 9.89, P = .005), FLT (F1,20 = 41.18, P < .001), SEBT-anteromedial (F1,20 = 5.34, P = .032), SEBT-medial (F1,20 = 7.51, P = .013), SEBT-posteromedial (F1,20 = 12.84, P = .002), and SHT (F1,20 = 7.50, P = .013). Post hoc testing showed that the REH group improved performance on all measures at posttest, whereas the CON group did not. A 4-wk BAPS rehabilitation protocol improved balance in high school athletes suffering from CAI. These results can allow clinicians to rehabilitate in a focused manner by using 1 rehabilitation tool that allows benefits to be accomplished in a shorter time.