Can fewer weekly workouts still fix wobbly ankles? new study says maybe.
NCT ID NCT07612358
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether doing balance exercises 3 times a week for 4 weeks works as well as doing them 2 times a week for 6 weeks in people with chronic ankle instability. 57 adults with weak, unstable ankles were randomly assigned to one of the two training groups or a waitlist. The goal was to see if different schedules, with the same total amount of exercise, lead to similar improvements in balance, walking, and ankle function.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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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
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57 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Nov 2023
- Finished
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Mar 2025
- Lead sponsor
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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
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16 to 49 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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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: 1. History of at least one lateral ankle sprain with inflammatory signs (swelling, pain) and inability to bear weight on the affected side for at least one day after injury, per International Ankle Consortium criteria. 2. At least two episodes of giving way, recurrent ankle sprains, or perceived ankle instability within 6 months prior to enrollment. 3. Time since first ankle sprain greater than 12 months. 4. Time since most recent ankle sprain greater than 3 months. 5. No history of fracture or surgery in either lower extremity. 6. No other injuries causing inability to bear weight on either lower extremity within the past 3 months. 7. Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) score of 24 or below 8. Physically active: engaging in at least 30 minutes of moderate or higher intensity physical activity on at least 3 days per week. 9. Age 16-49 years. 10. Willing to provide written informed consent - Exclusion Criteria: 1. History of lower extremity surgery or lower extremity fracture affecting lower limb function 2. Acute ankle sprain within 6 weeks prior to enrollment 3. Foot or ankle immobilization for more than 48 hours within the past 6 months 4. Neurological, vestibular, or other medical conditions affecting muscle strength or proprioceptive function 5. Currently receiving other rehabilitation treatment for the ankle -
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Beijing Sport University
Beijing, 100084, China
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