Simple rehab program may steady wobbly ankles in athletes
NCT ID NCT07427290
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Sep 15, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This study tested whether a six-week program of balance and strength exercises improves static balance in athletes with chronic ankle instability. It also looked at whether adding kinesio taping provides extra benefit. Seventy-eight athletes took part, doing exercises three times a week under supervision. Balance was measured before and after using a force plate.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Balance and strength exercise program with optional kinesio taping
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a simple, non-drug rehab program to improve balance and reduce ankle instability in athletes.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed trial with only 78 participants, so results may not apply to all athletes. The improvements may be modest and not last long-term.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
80 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Nov 2024
- Finished
-
May 2025
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 25 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: History of at least one ankle sprain occurring at least 12 months prior to enrollment. Presence of clinical signs of pain and inflammation. Most recent ankle sprain occurring at least 3 months before study inclusion. History of more than two episodes of "giving way". Self-reported ankle instability assessed using the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) with a score of ≤25 points. Exclusion Criteria: History of musculoskeletal surgery. Presence of orthopedic conditions such as lower-limb fractures. Any musculoskeletal injury within the 3 months preceding the study. Known neurological disorders that could influence balance performance. Known vestibular disorders that could influence balance performance.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Chronic ankle instability are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Sport University of Tirana
Tirana, 1001, Albania
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can a simple wrap improve wobbly ankles? new trial investigates
- Can fewer weekly workouts still fix wobbly ankles? new study says maybe.
- Could your pelvis be the key to preventing ankle sprains?
- Brain training for wobbly ankles: new rehab study recruits 180 active adults
- Magnetic pulse therapy shows promise for wobbly ankles
- Thinking while spiking: new study tests how mental tasks impact volleyball players with ankle issues