Stroboscopic Versus Traditional Balance Training in Female Volleyball Players With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Chronic ankle instability (CAI) causes recurrent sprains, reduced proprioception, and impaired postural control, negatively affecting volleyball performance. Stroboscopic glasses-based balance training can enhance sensorimotor control by manipulating visual input. Hypothesis: Stroboscopic balance training would produce greater improvements in balance, proprioception, jump performance, and functional outcomes than traditional balance training in female volleyball players with CAI. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial. Level of Evidence: Level 2. Methods: A total of 24 female volleyball players with CAI were assigned randomly to a stroboscopic (Group A, n = 10) or a traditional (Group B, n = 14) balance training group. Both performed supervised balance exercises twice weekly for 8 weeks; Group A used Senaptec stroboscopic glasses. Static balance (Performanz Balance System), dynamic balance (Y-balance test [YBT]), jump performance (vertical and single-leg hop), proprioception (joint position sense), and functionality (Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool [CAIT], Foot and Ankle Ability Measure-Sports Subscale [FAAM-S]) were assessed pre- and post-training Results: Group A improved in dynamic balance for posterolateral reach ( d = 0.67; P < 0.05) and composite score ( d = 0.51; P < 0.05). Group B improved in anterior, posterolateral, and composite scores ( d = 0.86-1.20; P < 0.05), with no between-group differences ( P > 0.05). Revealed no significant between-group differences in any YBT parameters. Static balance increased only in Group A ( d = 1.11; P < 0.05), with greater gains than Group B ( d = 0.60; P < 0.05). Vertical jump improved in both groups ( r = 0.71-0.88; P < 0.05), while single-leg hop increased only in Group A ( d = 0.65; P < 0.05). Proprioception improved in both groups ( d = 0.68-1.01; P < 0.05). CAIT rose only in Group A ( d = 0.84; P < 0.05), showing greater gains than Group B ( d = 0.58; P < 0.05). FAAM-S improved in both ( r = 0.80-0.88; P < 0.05). Conclusion: While both programs improved neuromuscular performance, stroboscopic balance training provided additional benefits in static balance and perceived ankle stability. Clinical Relevance: Incorporating stroboscopic visual perturbation into rehabilitation may optimize static balance and perceived ankle stability in female volleyball players with CAI.