The Effects Of 6-week Balance Training on Corticospinal Excitability, Spinal Reflexive Excitability Modulation, and Balance Performance in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Study Summary

30 individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) were randomized to receive a 6-week supervised balance training program or no intervention. The primary outcomes of interest were corticospinal excitability assessed using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), spinal reflexive excitability modulation assessed using the Hoffmann reflex (H-reflex), and balance performance. Outcomes included cortical silent period (CSP), H-reflex to muscle response ratio (H:M ratio), centre of pressure (COP) measures, and dynamic balance assessed using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks. Overall, the results of the study revealed that balance training significantly reduced CSP duration, increased spinal reflexive excitability modulation, and improved selected measures of static balance compared with baseline and control observations. However, improvements in dynamic balance were less conclusive. These findings suggested that progressive balance training promoted beneficial neural adaptations and improved postural control in individuals with CAI.