Star excursion balance training: effects on ankle functional stability after ankle sprain.

OBJECTIVES

To study the effects of Star Excursion Balance training on functional stability of athletes with ankle sprain.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Thirty-two male athletes with grade 2 ankle sprain, aged 15-22 years old were enrolled. They were random sampling into training group (n=15) and control group (n=17). All received conventional physical therapy program for 4 weeks. The training group also underwent the Star Excursion Balance training 3 days per week for 4 weeks. Single leg stance time (SLST) was assessed at pre- and post-training. Re-injuries were recorded during 3 months follow-up.

RESULTS

After the program, subjects from both groups demonstrated significant improvement in SLST The training group gained SLST of the injured sides 2 times more than the control group (p = 0.002 tested with eyes closed, p = 0. 007 tested with eyes open), and also improved the SLST during eyes closed of the normal sides (p = 0.015). Re-injuries were found in 1/15 of the training group and 2/17 of the control group.

CONCLUSION

Star Excursion Balance training is more effective than the conventional therapy program in improving functional stability of the sprained ankle.