Effects of Resistance and Proprioceptive Training on an Athletic Population with Chronic Ankle Instability: A Scoping Review

Background. One in three athletes who suffer a sprain will end up with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Resistance and proprioceptive training have been shown to have a positive effect on the rehabilitation of CAI. However, the right type of training, dosage and intensity are currently unclear on many points. Aim. To investigate current literature addressing the effects of resistance and proprioceptive training on improving the symptoms of athletes with CAI. Method. The MEDLINE, SCIENCE DIRECT, PEDro, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus and EMBASE databases were searched using different combinations of the following keywords: chronic ankle instability, athletes, proprioceptive exercise, resistance exercise, and rehabilitation. The review included clinical studies that were applied to professional or amateur athletes with CAI from 1998 to the present. These studies included protocols for resistance and/or proprioceptive exercise programs that were applied independently or in combination with other therapy regimens. Results. Eighteen clinical trials were included in this review: three on resistance training, five on proprioceptive training and ten on both. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) was used to assess the quality of all articles. Discussion. Both types of training, resistance and proprioceptive, seem to improve the symptoms of athletes with CAI. However, better results seem to be derived from combined protocols that include both types of exercise. Conclusions. Four to six weeks of a combined resistance and proprioceptive exercise program may increase the strength of the ankle joint muscles, dynamic balance, functional ability and quality of life in athletes with CAI.