Effect of ankle disk training on postural control in patients with functional instability of the ankle joint

The postural control of ten male soccer players with functional instability (FI) of the ankle joint, i.e., recurrent sprains and/or a feeling of giving way, was studied before and after ankle disk training. Postural control was studied by means of stabilometry and an optoelectronic movement recording system. In the present study, we found increased postural sway in men with functional instability, which is in line with previous studies. We found improved postural control after ankle disk training as shown by stabilometry. Postural correction patterns were restored, and segmental displacement amplitudes reached even supranormal values. A subgroup of players with unilateral FI also decreased postural sway when standing on the non-symptomatic, untrained foot after ankle disk training. This bilateral improvement and the restored postural correction pattern do not tally with Freemans proprioceptive theory for postural control, but stresses the importance of central motor programs.