METHODS: Eighteen male collegiate athletes with CAI participated in either a 6-week nine-square exercise or a control group (n = 9 per group). At baseline and post-intervention, the participants undertook clinical tests to measures dynamic and static postural control, and self-reported outcomes regarding ankle stability and function.
RESULTS: Within-group differences, the nine-square exercise group experienced improved dynamic postural control (P = 0.004), static postural control (P = 0.001) and self-reported outcomes (P < 0.05). For the control group, only static postural control improved (P = 0.018). Post-intervention, the nine-square exercise group experienced significant improvements in dynamic postural control (P < 0.001), ankle stability (P = 0.002) and functional ability (P < 0.05) relative to the control group.
CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the nine-square exercise can offer an alternative rehabilitation programme for improving postural control, self-perceived ankle stability and functional ability in CAI.