Original Research

Acquisition and Transfer of Postural Control Among Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability Following a 3-Day Balance Training Program

Andrea L. Sulewski, MS, ATC, SCAT, CES; Brady L. Tripp, PhD, ATC; Erik A. Wikstrom, PhD, ATC

  • Athletic Training and Sports Health Care
  • July/August 2012 - Volume 4 · Issue 4: 165-172
  • DOI: 10.3928/19425864-20111017-01
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Abstract

Balance training has been suggested to improve postural control and reduce reinjury rates in those with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Typical balance training programs last several weeks, but recent evidence suggests that a 3-day balance training program may also improve postural control. Therefore, our primary purpose was to determine whether a 3-day balance training program improves balance in those with CAI. The secondary purpose was to determine whether attentional focus direction affects balance improvement magnitude. Two 16-participant cohorts were pretested and posttested on a Biodex Stability System and the Star Excursion Balance Test. The balance training cohort, divided into internal and external attentional focus groups, underwent twenty 20-second trials on level 6 of a Biodex Stability System for 3 consecutive days. The results indicate that 3 days of balance training failed to improve balance in those with CAI. Thus, balance training programs should be longer than 3 days.

AUTHORS

Ms Sulewski is from Myrtle Beach High School, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Dr Tripp is from the University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; and Dr Wikstrom is from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina.

The authors have no financial or proprietary interest in the materials presented herein.

Address correspondence to Andrea L. Sulewski, MS, ATC, SCAT, CES, Myrtle Beach High School, 3302 Robert Grissom Pkwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577; e-mail: asulewski@horrycountyschools.net

doi: 10.3928/19425864-20111017-01

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