Stroboscopic Versus Traditional Balance Training in Female Volleyball Players With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Elif Aleyna Yazgan, Arzu Razak Özdinçler, Berivan Beril KılıçBackground:
Chronic ankle instability (CAI) causes recurrent sprains, reduced proprioception, and impaired postural control, negatively affecting volleyball performance. Stroboscopic glasses-based balance training can enhance sensorimotor control by manipulating visual input.
Hypothesis:
Stroboscopic balance training would produce greater improvements in balance, proprioception, jump performance, and functional outcomes than traditional balance training in female volleyball players with CAI.
Study Design:
Randomized controlled trial.
Level of Evidence:
Level 2.
Methods:
A total of 24 female volleyball players with CAI were assigned randomly to a stroboscopic (Group A, n = 10) or a traditional (Group B, n = 14) balance training group. Both performed supervised balance exercises twice weekly for 8 weeks; Group A used Senaptec stroboscopic glasses. Static balance (Performanz Balance System), dynamic balance (Y-balance test [YBT]), jump performance (vertical and single-leg hop), proprioception (joint position sense), and functionality (Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool [CAIT], Foot and Ankle Ability Measure-Sports Subscale [FAAM-S]) were assessed pre- and post-training
Results:
Group A improved in dynamic balance for posterolateral reach (
Conclusion:
While both programs improved neuromuscular performance, stroboscopic balance training provided additional benefits in static balance and perceived ankle stability.
Clinical Relevance:
Incorporating stroboscopic visual perturbation into rehabilitation may optimize static balance and perceived ankle stability in female volleyball players with CAI.