Effects of Ankle Stability Exercises and Suboccipital Muscle Release Technique on Ankle Function and Balance in Adults with Chronic Ankle Instability

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the effect of ankle stability exercises combined with suboccipital muscle release technique on balance and functional performance in adults with chronic ankle instability (CAI).METHODS: Sixteen adults diagnosed with CAI were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 8), which received both ankle stability exercises and suboccipital muscle release, or a control group (n = 8), which performed only ankle stability exercises.The intervention was conducted twice a week for two weeks.Outcome measures included static balance (using the Bio-Rescue system to assess surface area and sway speed with eyes open and closed), dynamic balance (composite reach distance of the Y-Balance Test), functional performance, and the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) for subjective ankle instability.