The effect of neuromuscular and vestibulo-ocular reflex training program on balance, isokinetic muscle strength and proprioception in subjects with chronic ankle instability

The aim of the study is to compare the effects of neromuscular exercise combined with vestibulo-ocular reflex training on balance,isokinetic muscle strength and proprioception in subjects who have ankle instability. This study was conducted in Sportomed Athlete Health and Orthopedic Rehabilitation clinic in February 2020, September 2022.A total of 20 participants aged 18-30 were included in the study on a voluntary basis. Participants were divided into two groups at random. Demographic information and informed consent forms were filled into all subjects who volunteered to participate in the study and in accordance with the research criteria. After the evaluation, the subjects in the first group were included in the vestibulo-ocular exercise program in addition to the neuromuscular exercise programs with the same physiotherapist. Subjects in the second group were included in neuromuscular training programs. The trainings were applied three days a week for four weeks and each training session lasted approximately 60 minutes. Functional limitations of the participants before and after the treatment were evaluated with the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure Daily Living Subscale (FAAM-ADL) and Sports Subscale (FAAM-S). Dynamic balance evaluation with star excursion balance test, proprioception evaluation by measuring joint position sense with goniometer, and ankle evertor and inverter concentric muscle strength were evaluated using isokinetic dynamometer at angular velocities of 60/s, 120/s and 180/s, and the results were recorded. According to statistical analysis,significant changes were observed in balance, muscle strength and proprioception before and after treatment in both groups (p<0.05).However, no superiority was found between the two treatment groups (p<0.05).In conclusion, it is suggested that neuromuscular training and vestibulo-ocular training have positive effects on balance, muscle strength and proprioception, and neuromuscular and vestibular training should be included in chronic ankle treatment. Key Words: ankle instability, balance, neuromuscular,vestibulo-ocular,training,strength