Neuromuscular Training for Chronic Ankle Instability
The Effect of Additional Neuromuscular Training on Peri-Ankle Muscle Morphology and Function in Chronic Ankle Instability Subjects: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Sports Health . 2025 May-Jun;17(3):572-584.Thirty-four patients with unilateral chronic ankle instability (CAI) were randomized to receive conventional training plus neuromuscular training (n=17) or conventional training alone (n=17). The primary outcome of interest was peri-ankle muscle morphology (ultrasound cross-sectional area of tibialis anterior and peroneus longus). Secondary outcomes included dynamic balance (Y-Balance Test), perceived ankle instability (CAIT), and functional capacity (FAOS). Outcomes were assessed at baseline, immediately post-intervention (after 12 sessions across 4 weeks), and 4 weeks later. Overall, the results of the study revealed greater gains with the addition of neuromuscular training for tibialis anterior CSA (notably on the injured nondominant side), posteromedial Y-Balance reach, and FAOS composite/sport/ADL domains, while both groups improved within-group on CAIT and FAOS. In short, supplementing standard care with neuromuscular training yielded small-to-moderate additional benefits in morphology, balance, and function over 4–8 weeks.
Unlock the Full ACE Report
You have access to 4 more FREE articles this month.
Click below to unlock and view this ACE Reports
Unlock Now
Critical appraisals of the latest, high-impact randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews in orthopaedics
Access to OrthoEvidence podcast content, including collaborations with the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, interviews with internationally recognized surgeons, and roundtable discussions on orthopaedic news and topics
Subscription to The Pulse, a twice-weekly evidence-based newsletter designed to help you make better clinical decisions
Exclusive access to original content articles, including in-house systematic reviews, and articles on health research methods and hot orthopaedic topics