title: Sensory-Targeted Ankle Rehabilitation Strategies for Chronic Ankle Instability.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Deficient sensory input from damaged ankle ligament receptors is thought to contribute to sensorimotor deficits in those with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Targeting other viable sensory receptors may then enhance sensorimotor control in these patients. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of 2 wk of sensory-targeted ankle rehabilitation strategies (STARS) on patient- and clinician-oriented outcomes in those with CAI.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighty patients with self-reported CAI participated. All patients completed patient-oriented questionnaires capturing self-reported function as well as the weight-bearing lunge test and an eyes-closed single-limb balance test. After baseline testing, patients were randomly allocated to four STARS groups: joint mobilization, plantar massage, triceps surae stretching, or control. Each patient in the intervention groups received six 5-min treatments of their respective STARS over 2 wk. All subjects were reassessed on patient- and clinician-oriented measures immediately after the intervention and completed a 1-month follow-up that consisted of patient-oriented measures. Change scores of the three STARS groups were compared with the control using independent t-tests and Hedges' g effect sizes with 95% confidence intervals.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The joint mobilization group had the greatest weight-bearing lunge test improvement. Plantar massage had the most meaningful single-limb balance improvement. All STARS groups improved patient-oriented outcomes with joint mobilization having the most meaningful effect immediately after the intervention and plantar massage at the 1-month follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Each STARS treatment offers unique contributions to the patient- and clinician-oriented rehabilitation outcomes of those with CAI. Both joint mobilization and plantar massage appear to demonstrate the greatest potential to improve sensorimotor function in those with CAI.
authors.affiliation: 1Department of Exercise & Sport Sciences, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY; and 2Department of Exercise & Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC.
authors.forename: Patrick O
authors.initials: PO
authors.lastname: McKeon
authors.forename: Erik A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Wikstrom
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000842:Ankle / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008405:Massage; D052580:Muscle Stretching Exercises; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D004856:Postural Balance; D016474:Weight-Bearing; D055815:Young Adult