Effect of thoracic mobility versus lumbopelvic stabilization exercises on lower extremity flexibility, dynamic balance and proprioception in patients with chronic ankle instability

The aim of the study is to compare the effects of thoracic mobility exercises and lumbopelvic stabilization exercises in patients with Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI) on dynamic balance, lower extremity flexibility and proprioception. This study was conducted in Noi Physio & Pilates Studio in November 2022 and January 2023. Total of 30 participants aged 20-45 were included in the study on a voluntary basis. 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 and CAIT questionnaire and who get 27 points or less from this questionnaire were included. Participant were divided into 2 groups randomly and in additon to the rehabilitation protocols, each participants was given home exercise program including ankle strenghtening exercises. Home exercise program was prescribed as 3 times a week. First group was received thoracic mobility rehabilitation exercises and second group was received lumbopelvic stabilization exercises in supervision of physiotherapist twice a week for 8 weeks (16 sessions total). Each exercise sessions taken with physiotherapist last approximately 50 minutes. Dynamic balance of the participants were assessed with Y Balance Test before and after the exercise program. Proprioception of lower extremity evaluated by measuring joint position sense with goniometer, and flexibility was assessed with Active Straight Leg Raise Test. As a result, Y Balance tests there was a significant difference in thoracic mobility group in every direction (p<.05). Active Straight Leg Raise Test has significant difference in both groups (p<.05). Joint Position Sense tests has shown a statistically significant difference between groups only in the hip and dorsiflexion (p<.05). In CAIT scores earned by the participants, a significant difference has been found between the groups for both feet. (p<.05). Key Words: chronic ankle instability, dynamic balance, proprioception, flexibility, thoracic mobility, lumbopelvic stability.