Volume 30, Issue 4 (Autumn 2024)
Intern Med Today 2024, 30(4): 0-0 |
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Naderi A, GHaffari R, Rahmani M, Rahmati M. Comparison of the Effects of 6-Week Balance Training with Blood Flow Restriction versus Traditional Balance Training on the Rehabilitative Management of Athletes with Chronic Ankle Instability: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Intern Med Today 2024; 30 (4)
URL: http://imtj.gmu.ac.ir/article-1-4122-en.html
URL: http://imtj.gmu.ac.ir/article-1-4122-en.html
1- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran.
2- Department of Sports Injury and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Shomal University, Amol, Mazandaran, Iran.
3- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran. ,mrmojtabarahmati@gmail.com
2- Department of Sports Injury and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Shomal University, Amol, Mazandaran, Iran.
3- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran. ,
Abstract: (16 Views)
Background: Blood flow restriction (BFR) training may enhance neuromuscular adaptations during low-load exercise. This study compared the effects of six weeks of balance training with proximal shank BFR versus conventional balance training among athletes with chronic ankle instability (CAI).
Methods: Forty-six male recreational and competitive athletes (aged 18–50 years) with unilateral CAI were randomized into a BFR-balance group (n = 23) or a conventional balance training group (n = 23). Both groups completed progressive balance exercises three times per week for six weeks. In the BFR group, a pneumatic cuff was applied to the proximal shank at 70–80% of limb occlusion pressure. Primary outcomes were pain intensity (NRS), perceived ankle instability (CAIT), and dynamic balance (Y-Balance Test composite score). Secondary outcomes included ankle muscle strength, proprioception, and single-leg lateral hop performance. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics (version 26.0) (α = 0.050).
Results: Both groups improved significantly across nearly all outcomes after six weeks (all p < 0.001). Between-group comparisons showed that the BFR-balance group achieved greater pain reduction (p = 0.030) and strength gains in the plantar flexors (p = 0.020), dorsiflexors (p = 0.050), invertors (p = 0.030), and evertors (p = 0.040), but not in perceived instability (p = 0.070), dynamic balance (p = 0.080), proprioception (p = 0.220), or hop performance (p = 0.640).
Conclusion: In athletes with chronic ankle instability, adding proximal-shank BFR to balance training enhances pain relief and ankle strength but not sensorimotor or functional outcomes. BFR is a safe, efficient adjunct when analgesia or strength gains are prioritized, while balance training remains the cornerstone of rehabilitation.
Methods: Forty-six male recreational and competitive athletes (aged 18–50 years) with unilateral CAI were randomized into a BFR-balance group (n = 23) or a conventional balance training group (n = 23). Both groups completed progressive balance exercises three times per week for six weeks. In the BFR group, a pneumatic cuff was applied to the proximal shank at 70–80% of limb occlusion pressure. Primary outcomes were pain intensity (NRS), perceived ankle instability (CAIT), and dynamic balance (Y-Balance Test composite score). Secondary outcomes included ankle muscle strength, proprioception, and single-leg lateral hop performance. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics (version 26.0) (α = 0.050).
Results: Both groups improved significantly across nearly all outcomes after six weeks (all p < 0.001). Between-group comparisons showed that the BFR-balance group achieved greater pain reduction (p = 0.030) and strength gains in the plantar flexors (p = 0.020), dorsiflexors (p = 0.050), invertors (p = 0.030), and evertors (p = 0.040), but not in perceived instability (p = 0.070), dynamic balance (p = 0.080), proprioception (p = 0.220), or hop performance (p = 0.640).
Conclusion: In athletes with chronic ankle instability, adding proximal-shank BFR to balance training enhances pain relief and ankle strength but not sensorimotor or functional outcomes. BFR is a safe, efficient adjunct when analgesia or strength gains are prioritized, while balance training remains the cornerstone of rehabilitation.
Type of Study: Original |
Subject:
Physiology
Received: 2025/11/25 | Accepted: 2026/05/11 | Published: 2024/09/29
Received: 2025/11/25 | Accepted: 2026/05/11 | Published: 2024/09/29
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