The effect of different balance training programs on balan-ce and functional performance in athletes wi̇th chroni̇c ankle sprain

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of an 8-week diverse balance exercise training prog-ram on balance and functional performance in athletes with chronic ankle sprain. The study included 58 athletes with chronic ankle sprain, aged between 13 and 18, who visited the Bingöl Youth and Sports Provincial Directorate facilities. The ankle functional limitations of the athletes were assessed using the Cumberland Ankle Instability Questionnaire. The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure, Sports subscale (FAAM-S), was utilized to evaluate athletes' functional limitations. Individuals were randomly assigned to four groups: Stroboscopic (n=15, age: 14.93±1.44 years), Bosu (n=14, age: 14.50±1.40 years), Dual-task (n=14, age: 14.64±1.22 years), and Control (n=15, age: 15.27±1.22 years). The three exercise groups received balance exercise training three times a week for 8 weeks. Functional perfor-mance was assessed at the beginning and end of the study using the Lateral Hop Test and Single Leg Triple Hop Test for dynamic balance, the Y Balance Test (YBT) for dynamic stability, and the Flamingo Test for static balance. After the 8-week training period, all three exercise groups demonstrated signifi-cant improvements in functional performance and balance parameters compared to pre-training levels (p<0.05). In the comparison of the FAAM-sports scale among groups, all three exercise groups were found to be superior to the control group, with no significant differences between the exercise groups. In the static balance comparison, the Bosu group showed significant improvement compared to the control group (p<0.05). In the comparison of functional performance (Lateral Hop Test), both the Bosu and Stroboscopic groups showed significant improvement compared to the control group (p<0.05). Long-term studies involving different balance exercises and equipment will contribute to the literature on the treatment of chronic ankle injuries. The development of exercise equipment with technological advancements and its integration into rehabilitation may be crucial for athlete health. Keywords: Chronic Ankle Sprain, Balance, Athlete, Functional Performance