Issn Print: 0195-9131
Publication Date: 2001/05/01
DOES WOBBLE BOARD TRAINING IMPROVE BALANCE IN RECURRENT ANKLE INVERSION SPRAIN?
K M. Refshauge; S L. Kilbreath; J Raymond
+ Author Information
Author Information: The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
Excerpt
Balance, particularly single leg standing, is thought to be impaired by recurrent ankle inversion sprain. Exercising on a wobble board is commonly prescribed to address this impairment. However, its effect on balance, particularly single leg balance is unclear. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the effect of wobble board training on single leg balance in subjects with recurrent ankle inversion sprains. We conducted a randomised controlled trial with blinded assessment. 32 subjects with recurrent ankle sprain were randomised to either a training (n = 16) or a non-training control group (n = 16). The training regimen consisted of wobble board exercises aimed at improving control of ankle movement, performed twice daily for 4 weeks. Balance was tested with subjects standing on the injured leg, before and after the training or a control intervention period. We tested 2 conditions with the eyes open and closed, i) standing quietly on the injured leg and ii) reaching at a 45-degree angle to 120% of arm length. The variables measured included root mean square, standard deviation and range. There was no effect of training on any of the variables during any balance condition tested for either subject group. The reason for the lack of effect may be that the skills required for successful manipulation of a wobble board do not reflect the skills required for single leg standing. This work was supported by a University of Sydney Research Grant.
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
