THE EFFECT OF A SIX WEEK PROPRIOCEPTIVE EXERCISE PROGRAMME ON DYNAMIC POSTURAL BALANCE OF RECREATIONALLY ACTIVE FEMALE ATHLETES

Abstract

Context: Injury to the ankle is the most common injury in sport. Proprioceptive exercise programmes are cost effective, aiming to rehabilitate injured ankles and to improve balance, and or reduce the risk of an ankle injury. Aim: To investigate whether a six week proprioceptive exercise programme improves dynamic postural control, thereby increasing ankle stability and reducing the likeliness of an ankle injury. Participants: 11 female recreational athletes, from the Cardiff School of Sport University population, free from any lower limb injury during the past 12 months. Methods: All participants completed a six week proprioceptive exercise programme, twice a week. All participants were tested before and after the exercise programme using the multiple single-leg hop-stabilisation test. Results: There were no significant (p >0.05) differences on the left or right leg landing and balance test variables from pre- to post-training. Conclusions: The current study’s proprioceptive exercise programme cannot be recommended as an appropriate means to improve balance, and thereby viably reduce the risk of an ankle injury.