In 2023, Negahban et al. conducted a study to compare the effects of ankle integral physiotherapy and conventional physiotherapy on patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Chronic ankle instability is a condition that affects many individuals and can lead to pain, limited range of motion, balance issues, and disability. The study aimed to determine which approach would be more effective in improving these outcomes.

The study enrolled 60 patients with unilateral CAI and randomly assigned them to receive either ankle integral physiotherapy or conventional physiotherapy. The researchers assessed various outcomes before and after the intervention, including pain levels, range of motion, balance, disability, and treatment effectiveness.

The results of the study revealed a significant interaction between the two groups for the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and Lower Extremity Functional Score (LEFS). The ankle integral physiotherapy group showed a more favorable clinical improvement compared to the conventional physiotherapy group. However, there were no significant differences between the groups for the other outcome measures.

These findings suggest that incorporating hip strengthening and balance exercises into ankle rehabilitation may have a positive impact on improving the functional ability of patients with CAI. By targeting multiple areas of the body and addressing underlying issues related to stability and strength, patients may experience better outcomes in terms of pain reduction and functional improvement.

This study provides valuable insights into the management of chronic ankle instability. By tailoring physiotherapy approaches to address specific needs, healthcare professionals can optimize treatment outcomes for patients with CAI. Further research can explore the long-term effects of these interventions and compare them with other treatment modalities to enhance our understanding of the most effective strategies for managing chronic ankle instability.

Reference: Negahban, H., Daghiani, M., Raeesi, J., Sayyed Hosseinian, S. H., Mousavian, A., Varasteh Hajipour, M., & Sahebalam, M. (2023). Comparing the effects of ankle integral and conventional physiotherapy on pain, range of motion, balance, disability, and treatment effectiveness in patients with chronic ankle instability: Randomized controlled trial. Clinical Rehabilitation, 37(3), 362-372.