Effects of Hop Stabilization versus Balance Training on Disability and Balance in Chronic Ankle Instability among Basketball Players

Abstract

Background: Ankle sprains, which often lead to chronic ankle instability (CAI), are common within the young, athletic population, particularly among basketball players. Rehabilitation programs frequently employ hop stabilization and balance training to mitigate the complications associated with CAI. This research was undertaken to compare the effectiveness of these two training approaches in improving disability and balance in affected individuals. Objective: The study aimed to evaluate and contrast the impact of hop stabilization versus balance training on disability and balance in basketball players with CAI. Methods: The randomized clinical trial was conducted at Ranger’s Teaching Hospital in Lahore, targeting young basketball players aged between 25 to 35 years with a history of recurrent ankle sprains and at least 8 months of playing experience. Through a non-probability convenient sampling technique, the participants were randomized into two groups: Group A underwent 6 weeks of hop stabilization training in addition to general training, while Group B participated in 6 weeks of balance training coupled with their general training regimen. The efficacy of these interventions was quantified using the Star Excursion Balance Test, Functional Ankle Disability Index, Functional Ankle Ability Measure questionnaire, and Multiple Single Leg Hop Stabilization Test (MSLHST). Results: Post-training assessments within groups indicated significant enhancements in disability and balance scores, with p-values below 0.05, suggesting notable improvements. However, when comparing the two groups, the Functional Ankle Ability Measure, Ankle Disability Index, and Star Excursion Balance Test showed no significant differences, with p-values exceeding 0.05. Notably, the MSLHST exhibited a significant contrast, with Group B showing a mean score decrease from 10.7857 to 5.7857, reflecting a 46% improvement, whereas Group A displayed a reduction in mean score from 13.625 to 11.7, a 14% enhancement, resulting in a significant p-value of 0.0289. Conclusion: The study concluded that balance training surpasses hop stabilization training in terms of efficacy, significantly improving balance and reducing disability in basketball players with chronic ankle instability.