Effects of core stability interventions on postural control and pain in individuals with chronic ankle instability: A systematic review
Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, cilt.48, ss.1063-1076, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Derleme
- Cilt numarası: 48
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2026.08.017
- Dergi Adı: Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, SportDiscus
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1063-1076
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Ankle joint, Core stability, Joint instability, Pain, Postural balance
- Gazi Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Objective Lateral ankle sprains often lead to chronic ankle instability (CAI) and functional ankle instability (FAI), conditions characterized by persistent pain, recurrent sprains, and impaired postural control. This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of core stability interventions on pain severity and balance improvement in individuals with CAI and FAI, and compared these targeted interventions with standard rehabilitation protocols. Methods This systematic review, conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, was registered in PROSPERO under the accession code CRD420251087955. A comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted for studies published in English and Persian between January 2015 and January 2025. Study quality was assessed using the McMaster Critical Review Form, and risk of bias was assessed using the RoB 2 and ROBINS-I tools. Given the significant clinical and methodological heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis using the SWiM framework was used. Results Ten studies including two randomized controlled trials and eight quasi-experimental studies with a total of 334 participants (18–40 years) met the inclusion criteria. The synthesized evidence demonstrated that core stability training was associated with improvements in static and dynamic balance, proprioception, functional performance, and reductions in pain. Furthermore, while multimodal regimens incorporating core stability demonstrate positive outcomes, their comparative superiority over isolated interventions cannot be definitively established based on current evidence. Conclusions Integrating core stability training may provide an adjunct treatment to improve postural control and reduce pain in individuals with chronic ankle instability and functional ankle instability. However, given the significant methodological heterogeneity and risk of bias in the current literature, future high-quality randomized controlled trials with standardized protocols and long-term follow-up are necessary to establish definitive clinical guidelines.