Effects of Cervical and Oculomotor Exercises on Functional Status, Balance, and Proprioception in Chronic Ankle Instability

Effects of Cervical and Oculomotor Exercises Added to Conventional Treatment on Ankle Functional Status, Balance, and Proprioception in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosed with unilateral chronic ankle instability (CAI) in accordance with the International Ankle Consortium recommendations
• A history of at least one significant lateral ankle sprain that occurred at least 12 months prior to participation, resulting in inflammatory symptoms such as pain and swelling and causing at least one day of interruption in physical activity
• A history of "giving way" and/or recurrent ankle sprains and/or a feeling of instability in the affected ankle within the past 6 months
• A Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) score of ≤ 25

Exclusion criteria

• History of surgery or fracture in the lower extremities or spine
• Acute musculoskeletal injury affecting other joints of the lower extremity within the past 3 months (e.g., sprains, fractures) that impaired joint integrity and function and caused at least one day of interruption in physical activity
• History of injection in the affected ankle
• History of ankle sprain in the affected extremity within the past 4 weeks
• Presence of systemic musculoskeletal disorders, neurological disorders, vestibular disorders, or any other condition that may affect balance or sensory function
• Previous participation in any rehabilitation program for the ankle or cervical region
• History of head or neck trauma or diagnosed pathology within the past 12 months
• History of neck pain greater than 3/10 in severity within the past 12 months