Effects of Whole-Body Vibration and Balance Training on Female Athletes with Chronic Ankle Instability.

Wen-Dien Chang,Shuya Chen,Yung-An Tsou

doi:10.3390/jcm10112380

Abstract

We explored the effects of 6-week whole-body vibration (WBV) and balance training programs on female athletes with chronic ankle instability (CAI). This randomized controlled study involved female athletes with dominant-leg CAI. The participants were randomly divided into three groups: WBV training (Group A), balance training (Group B), and nontraining (control group; Group C). Groups A and B performed three exercise movements (double-leg stance, one-legged stance, and tandem stance) in 6-week training programs by using a vibration platform and balance ball, respectively. The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), a joint position sense test, and an isokinetic strength test were conducted. In total, 63 female athletes with dominant-leg CAI were divided into three study groups (all n = 21). All of them completed the study. We observed time-by-group interactions in the SEBT (p = 0.001) and isokinetic strength test at 30°/s of concentric contraction (CON) of ankle inversion (p = 0.04). Compared with the control group, participants of the two exercise training programs improved in dynamic balance, active repositioning, and 30°/s of CON and eccentric contraction of the ankle invertor in the SEBT, joint position sense test, and isokinetic strength test, respectively. Furthermore, the effect sizes for the assessed outcomes in Groups A and B ranged from very small to small. Female athletes who participated in 6-week training programs incorporating a vibration platform or balance ball exhibited very small or small effect sizes for CAI in the SEBT, joint position sense test, and isokinetic strength test. No differences were observed in the variables between the two exercise training programs.

Highlights

Lateral ankle sprain is one of the most common sports injuries and often causes a decrease in neuromuscular control and loss of proprioception [1]
Small effect sizes were observed in 30◦ /s of eccentric contraction (ECC) ankle inversion after assessment in groups: WBV training (Group A) (d = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.49–1.80) and
Compared with the control group, the female athletes with dominant-leg chronic ankle instability (CAI) improved in the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), the active repositioning portion of the joint position sense test, and 30◦ /s of CON and ECC of the ankle invertor in the isokinetic strength test after completing a 6-week WVB or balance training program

Summary

Introduction

Lateral ankle sprain is one of the most common sports injuries and often causes a decrease in neuromuscular control and loss of proprioception [1]. Neuromuscular control helps maintain the functional stability of the ankle, whereas proprioception influences ankle joint position and sense of movement. Impairments in these functions cause reduced dynamic balance and reaction time of the ankle joint during exercise [2]. An ankle sprain resulting in damage to the lateral ankle capsuloligamentous complex can cause sequelae, such as recurring ankle sprains. It decreases ankle function as well as causing a loose feeling, and this postinjury symptom is classified as chronic ankle instability (CAI) [3]. Specific balance exercises for athletes with CAI are critical in rehabilitation and training programs and could effectively reduce the risk of ankle sprain during sports activities

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Discussion

Conclusion