A study published in the Journal of Athletic training reviewed available research on balance training to determine its effectiveness in reducing the risk of ankle sprains, improving treatment outcomes for sprains, and in improving outcomes in people with chronic ankle instability.
Patrick O. McKeon, PhD of the University of Kentucky, and Jay Hertel, PhD, of the University of Virginia, conducted the study. They reviewed studies that assessed the influence of balance training on main outcomes of ankle sprain and posture control, and that provided relative risk reduction calculations as well as numbers needed to treat to achieve the outcome desired.
They found a significant reduction in relative risk of sustaining an ankle sprain among those who completed balance training. There was an even greater effect among those who had previous ankle sprains. The authors write, “Completing at least 6 weeks of balance training after an acute ankle sprain substantially reduced the risk of recurrent ankle sprains; however, consistent improvements in instrumented measures of postural control were not associated with training.”
The evidence was inconclusive regarding improvements in postural control following balance training, but there is a clear benefit to athletes who wish to prevent ankle sprains or avoid recurrent ankle sprains. In addition, the evidence indicates that the effect may be cumulative, meaning that the longer the program is implemented, the greater its preventive effect.
