Effect of Conventional Sports Rehabilitation Compared with Psychological Interventions on Ankle Proprioception in People with Chronic Ankle Instability: A Systematic Review

Masoud  Azizian; Ali  Yalfani; Behnam  Gholami-Borujeni

doi:10.18502/ssu.v32i12.17941

Masoud Azizian Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Bu Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
Ali Yalfani Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Bu Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
Behnam Gholami-Borujeni Department of Sport Biomechanics and Motor Behavior, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ssu.v32i12.17941

Keywords: Lateral ankle sprain, Proprioception, Combined rehabilitation, Balance

Abstract

Introduction: Proprioception disorder is among significant factors to the advancement of chronic ankle instability. Consequently, this review study aimed to compare the effects of exercise and combined rehabilitation protocols on proprioception in individuals with chronic ankle instability. Methods: The present study was a systematic review conducted following the guidelines established by PRISMA. The search in this study was conducted using online databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scapus and Science Direct) as well as the Google Scholar search engine from 2000 to the end of 2024, limited to English and Persian. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Pedro 11-question scale.

Results: According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 13 studies were selected to analyze the results. Conventional sports rehabilitation protocols (6 studies) focused on balance, proprioception, and strength training. Combined rehabilitations (7 studies) included neuromuscular therapy with neurofeedback, neuromuscular therapy and vestibular training, functional training alongside hydrotherapy, and balance training combined with cognitive training focused on proprioception in individuals experiencing chronic ankle instability.

Conclusion: Combined exercises (neuromuscular and neurofeedback) and (balance and cognitive) enhance proprioception in individuals with chronic ankle instability when compared to conventional exercise routines. The psychological aspect of these patients appears to be significant in their rehabilitation process. Consequently, it is suggested that psychological protocols be used in the rehabilitation of these patients along with conventional exercise rehabilitation.