Effect of Ankle Neuromuscular Exercises and Mat Exercises on Chronic Ankle Instability and Balance in Overweight and Obese Individuals

BackgroundChronic ankle instability (CAI) is characterized by recurrent lateral instability, restricted mobility, and a heightened risk of degenerative osteoarthritis. Elevated BMI further exacerbates these challenges by increasing joint loading, impairing balance, and predisposing individuals to falls and re-injury. Persistent pain reinforces inactivity, perpetuating a cycle of functional decline. This study investigates the efficacy of mat exercises combined with ankle neuromuscular training in addressing ankle instability.MethodsA parallel-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted with 36 overweight and obese individuals aged 21-40 with chronic ankle instability, selected through purposive sampling. Participants were randomly assigned to 2 groups. Group A performed a combination of mat exercises and ankle neuromuscular exercises, while group B performed only ankle neuromuscular exercises. The 4-week supervised intervention was conducted 5 days per week, with each session lasting 40 minutes. Outcome measures, including Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT), Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), and body composition, were assessed at baseline, postintervention, and at an 8-week follow-up. Statistical analysis was done using repeated measures ANOVA for within-group comparisons, while a non-parametric test was used for between-group analysis.ResultsOut of 200 individuals screened, 36 met the inclusion criteria. Significant improvements were observed in both groups across all outcome measures (P < .001). CAIT scores showed greater improvement in group A postintervention and at follow-up (P < .0006, P < .0004). BMI reduction was also more pronounced in group A (P < .001). Balance improvements were significant in all directions, with group A showing superior gains in anterior, posterior, medial, lateral, anteromedial, anterolateral, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions (P < .01). Group A demonstrated greater overall improvements, making the intervention statistically significant in Favor of combined mat and neuromuscular exercises.ConclusionThe integration of mat and neuromuscular exercises markedly enhanced stability and BMI, underscoring their clinical utility in optimizing functional recovery in overweight individuals with chronic ankle instability.Levels of Evidence:Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT).