The effect of hydrotherapy and land-based rehabilitation program combined with ankle taping on ankle functional ability and the number of re-injury in athletes with chronic ankle instability

Abstract

To examine the effect of the 6 week functional rehabilitation program on ankle functional ability, the number of ankle re-injury, postural sway, ankle joint position sense and health status. Fifty athletes with chronic ankle instability and residual symptoms were randomized into the hydrotherapy or land-based group. Data were collected at baseline, posttest and 3-month follow up. There were 47 participants who completed the protocol. Results indicated differences between groups only in ankle joint position sense at 30 degrees of plantar flexion. In the hydrotherapy group, time taken in the single-limb hopping test significantly decreased immediately after exercise and at the follow up compared to baseline (p<0.05). The SF-36 questionnaire also improved in physical functioning and bodily pain scale at the follow up (p<0.05). In the land-based group, time taken in the single-limb hopping test significantly decreased at 3-month follow up compared to baseline (p<0.05). Ankle joint position sense also improved at 15 degrees of inversion and 30 degrees of plantar flexion (p<0.05). The rehabilitation program of ankle taping, land-based exercise and hydrotherapy could be recommended for clinical use in athletes with chronic ankle instability.