Study Summary

38 patients with chronic ankle instability were randomized to receive progressive balance exercises every other day for 6 weeks or continue their usual daily activities. The primary outcomes of interest were corticomotor excitability measures of the peroneus longus muscle, including resting corticomotor threshold, active corticomotor threshold, motor evoked potential, and cortical silent period. Secondary outcomes included objective postural stability indices and the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) score. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks. Overall, the results of the study revealed that progressive balance exercises significantly enhanced corticomotor excitability, demonstrated by reduced corticomotor thresholds and cortical silent period, alongside increased motor evoked potential and improved postural stability compared with the control group. These findings suggest that progressive balance exercises may promote favourable neuroplastic adaptations and improve balance control.