Effects of Resistance and Proprioceptive Training on an Athletic Population with Chronic Ankle Instability: A Scoping Review

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> One in three athletes who suffer a sprain will end up with chronic ankle instability (CAI) due to re-injury or inadequate recovery, with symptoms that can last for more than 12 months. Resistance and proprioceptive training have been shown to have a positive effect on the rehabilitation of CAI, improving perceived instability, balance, functional ability, strength, and quality of life. However, the right type of training, dosage, and intensity are currently unclear on many points. <b>Aim:</b> The aim of this review is to investigate current literature addressing the effects of resistance and proprioceptive training on improving the symptoms of athletes with CAI. The individual efficacy of each training type (resistance and proprioceptive) was investigated and compared to each other. Furthermore, it was examined whether the combined application of both training methods within a single treatment regimen provides greater benefits than their separate use. <b>Method:</b> The MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, PEDro, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and EMBASE databases were searched using different combinations of the following key words: chronic ankle instability, athletes, proprioceptive exercise, resistance exercise, and rehabilitation. The review included clinical studies that were applied to professional or amateur athletes with CAI from 1998 to the present. These studies included protocols for resistance and/or proprioceptive exercise programs that were applied independently or in combination with other therapy regimens. <b>Results:</b> Eighteen clinical trials were included in this review: three on resistance training, five on proprioceptive training, and ten on both. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) was used to assess the quality of all articles. <b>Discussion:</b> Both types of training, resistance and proprioceptive, improve perceived instability, static and dynamic balance, functional ability, strength and, quality of life in the athletic population with CAI. However, better results appear to be derived from combined protocols that include both types of exercises. <b>Conclusions:</b> Four to six weeks of a combined resistance and proprioceptive exercise program may increase the strength of the ankle joint muscles, dynamic balance, functional ability and quality of life in athletes with CAI.