The Effects of Hop Stabilization Exercise Combined with Balance Training in Women with Chronic Ankle Instability Accompanied by Kinesiophobia

Objective: : We investigated the effects of hop stabilization exercises combined with balance training on kinesiophobia, functional ankle instability, dynamic balance, and functional performance in women with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: Twenty-five women with CAI and severekinesiophobia were randomly assigned to either the hop stabilization exercise group (HSE, n=13) or the control group (CG, n=12). Both groups participated in a 6-week balance training program, while the HSE group received additional hop stabilization exercise. Pre- and post-interventionassessments included the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), Y-Balance Test (YBT), and single-leg 5-repetition jump test. Data were analyzed using two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance and Hedges’ g test for effect size. Results: Relative to the control group, the HSE group achieved significantly greater improvements in both TSK-17 and FAAM sports subscales (p=0.029, Hedges’ g=-0.86; p<0.001, Hedges’g=1.60, respectively). The HSE group also showed significant improvements inanterior and composite reach distances of the YBT compared to the control group, with large effect sizes (p=0.012, Hedges’ g=1.01; p=0.011, Hedges’ g=1.02). Functional performance outcomes, including jump height, flight time, and power, showed significantly greater improvements in the HSE group (p<0.05), with large effect sizes (Hedges’ g>1.0). Conclusions: HSE combined with balance trainingsignificantly reduced kinesiophobia and enhanced dynamic balance andperformance in women with CAI. This combined approach may effectively targetboth the physical and psychological components of CAI.