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NCT Number: NCT07671170

Comparative Effect of Combined Strength, Core and Balance Training on Kinesiophobia, Ankle Instability, Functional Outcomes, and Performance in Table Tennis Players With Functional Ankle Instability

This randomized controlled trial investigates the comparative effect of combined strength and balance training versus balance and core training on kinesiophobia (fear of movement), ankle instability, functional outcomes, and athletic performance in adolescent table tennis players with functional ankle instability (FAI). Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups over a 6-week intervention (3 sessions/week). The Experimental Group will receive combined strength and balance training, while the Control Group will receive balance and core training. Outcomes will be measured using validated tools: TSK-17, CAIT, FAAM, Y-Balance Test, Single-Leg Hop Test, T-Test, and Illinois Agility Test.

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Key information

Conditions

Functional Ankle Instability Anxiety Disorders Kinesiophobia Mental Disorders Neuromuscular Control Phobic Disorders Sports Rehabilitation

Age range

15 year–30 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Male/female table tennis players aged 15-30 years
  • Experienced at least one ankle sprain with swelling/pain that interrupted training for >1 day within the last 6 months
  • Reported sensation of instability of the ankle
  • Scored ≤25 points on the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT), indicating functional ankle instability

Exclusion criteria

  • History of ankle fracture or surgery
  • Any fracture of lower limb history
  • Any neurological or vestibular disorders
  • Other injuries of lower limb affecting performance

Treatment and study plan

Experimental : Combined Strength and Balance Training

Other

A structured 6-week exercise program combining ankle strengthening exercises (Theraband resistance training, heel raises, lunges) with dynamic balance training (single-leg stance, wobble board, Y-balance drills). Sessions last 40-45 minutes and are conducted 3 times per week. Warm-up: 5-7 min light jogging/dynamic mobility. Main Training: 30 min combined strength and balance work. Cool-down: 5 min static stretching.

Control : Balance and Core Training

Other

A structured 6-week program combining balance training (single-leg stance on firm and foam surfaces, tandem walking, Y-balance drills) with core stabilization exercises (plank, side plank, dead bug). Sessions last 40-45 minutes, 3 times per week with the same warm-up and cool-down structure as the experimental group

Primary outcomes

  1. Kinesiophobia - Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK-17)

    Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6)

    17-item self-report questionnaire measuring fear of movement and re-injury. Good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.70-0.86) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.72-0.90). Reduced scores indicate decreased kinesiophobia.

  2. Ankle Instability - Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT)

    Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6)

    Validated questionnaire assessing functional ankle instability severity. Excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.96) and internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.83). Increased post-intervention scores indicate improved perceived ankle stability

Secondary outcomes

  1. Functional Ability - Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM)

    Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6)

    Self-reported tool assessing functional limitations in foot and ankle disorders. Excellent internal consistency (α = 0.89-0.98) and reliability (ICC = 0.84-0.92) for ADL and Sports subscales. Increased scores indicate improved functional ability

  2. Dynamic Balance - Y Balance Test (YBT)

    Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6)

    Measures dynamic balance and lower limb neuromuscular control. Excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.85-0.91). Reach distances normalized to limb length. Increased post-intervention reach distance indicates improved ankle stability.

  3. Functional Performance - Single-Leg Hop Test

    Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6)

    Reliable measure of lower limb strength, dynamic stability, and functional performance (ICC = 0.85-0.95). Increased hop distance and improved landing control indicate enhanced neuromuscular function.

  4. Agility and Performance - T-Test and Illinois Agility Test

    Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6)

    Valid and reliable measures of agility and change-of-direction speed. T-Test (ICC = 0.90-0.98), Illinois Agility Test (ICC = 0.88-0.96). Reduced completion time indicates improved dynamic stability and neuromuscular control.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Ahmad Zia, MS-PT Sports

CONTACT

[email protected]

+92 340 9270376

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Ibadat International University, Islamabad

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jun 26, 2026
Registry last updated
Jun 26, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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