Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of wobble board training
for 4 weeks on subjects with chronic functional instability (CFI) of ankle joint.
Twelve subjects with a history of CFI of ankle joint both males and females,
aged between 18-45 years were recruited in this study. All subjects were assessed on
balance performances during one-legged stance on injured leg with CFI by using the
Smart Balance Master SystemTM. Sway velocity was obtained from the following 3
sensory organization testing conditions: eyes open (EO), eyes closed (EC) and eyes
open with dome (EOD). Subjective measures of strength and stability, pain levels from
8 functional tests, ankle muscle endurance test and ability to balance by checking the
number of times visual surrounds were touched were also assessed. All parameters
were measured at pre-training, post 2-week and post 4-week of training, and followed
up at 1-week and 2-week post training respectively.
The results of this study demonstrated significant improvement in balance
performances in subjects with CFI after wobble board training for 4 weeks. There
were significant decreases in sway velocity for EC and EOD conditions (p<0.05).
There were significant increases in subjective measures of strength and stability
scores. In addition, there were significant decreases in pain level during all functional
tests except going up and down stairs test. Furthermore, the results revealed significant
improvement in ankle muscle endurance. For ability to balance by checking the
number of times visual surrounds were touched, significant improvements for EC and
EOD conditions were noted.
Improved balance performances following wobble board training in subjects
with CFI of ankle joint may be due to the following: 1) enhancement of three main
sensory inputs (visual, vestibular and somatosensory inputs) including proprioception.
2) enhancement of motor process and 3) adaptation to somatosensory loss such as
increased sensitivity of the vestibular input. To effectively use this training protocol
clinically, balance training goals must be set and achieved to restore and maintain
neuromuscular control following ankle sprain