A multi-station proprioceptive exercise program in patients with ankle instability

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a 6 -wk multi-station proprioceptive exercise program that is easy to integrate in normal training programs. Methods: Patients with chronic ankle instabil ity were used, and results of three testing procedures before and afterward were compared: joint position sense, postural sway, and muscle reaction ti mes to sudden inversion events on a tilting platform. A total of 30 subject s with 48 unstable feet were evaluated (exercise group: N = 31; control gro up: N = 17). Results: In the exercise group, the results showed a significa nt improvement in joint position sense and postural sway as well as signifi cant changes in muscle reaction times. Conclusion: Based on the present res ults, a multi-station proprioceptive exercise program can be recommended fo r prevention and rehabilitation of recurrent ankle inversion injuries.