Trampoline Exercise Improves Functional Performance in Young Adults with Ankle Instability

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of trampoline exercise on functional performance in persons with chronic ankle instability. METHODS A total of 24 college students were assigned to one of three groups: control (CON), ankle sprained without chronic ankle instability (NAI), and ankle sprained with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Both NAI and CAI exercised on the trampoline for 40-70 min, three times a week during six weeks. To determine ankle’s function-al performance, Romberg test, Y-balance test, Side hop test, Figure-of-8 hop test, and Square hop test were conducted both injured and uninjured sides of foot before and after exercise. The data were analyzed utilizing two-way repeated ANOVA. RESULTS The result showed significant differences among groups and time in Romberg test(NI), Y-balance test posteromedial(NI), Y-balance test posteromedial(I), Y-balance test posterolateral(I), Figure-of-8 hop test(NI), Square hop test(NI), and Square hop test(I). The result showed a significant interaction in Romberg test(I), and there was a significant differences between time in Romberg test(I). There were significant differences according to time in Y-balance test front(NI), Y-balance test front(I), Y-balance test posterolateral(NI), Side hop test(NI), Side hop test(I), and Figure-of-8 hop test(I). Trampoline exercise significantly improved functional performance meas-ures including static and dynamic balance, postural control, muscle strength, and proprioception although the positive effectiveness is differential depending on the degree of ankle instability. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate positive effects of rehabilitative trampoline exercise against impaired functional performance of ankle with instability.