Efficacy of balance training using biodex balance system on spatial and temporal gait parameters in patients with recurrent lateral ankle sprain Gait & balance rehabilitation

Aim: Ankle sprains occur in athletes that stress the joint alignment and cause stress between the articular surfaces during weight-bearing. The purpose of this study was to explore whether the addition of Biodex Balance System balance training to a recommended physical therapy exercise program may help patients with recurrent lateral ankle sprains improve their Spatial and Temporal Gait Parameters abnormalities. Material and Methods: Fifty voluntary patients of both genders, diagnosed with chronic recurrent lateral ankle sprain, aged from 18 to 40 years. Patients were assigned into two equal groups of twenty-five patients: study group (A) who received Biodex Balance System added to the recommended physical therapy exercise program in the form of therapeutic exercises, and control group (B): the same recommended physical therapy exercise program like the group (A). Approximately 30 minutes per session, three times a week for 6 weeks was done for all exercise modes. The recommended physical therapy exercise program was performed three times a week for six weeks. Results: There were statistically significantly higher results in step length, stride length, and single support time (p < 0.01) in the study group (A) in favor of the control group (B). Discussion: In the treatment of patients with recurrent lateral ankle sprains, it was discovered that the inclusion of the Biodex balance system into the recommended physical therapy exercise program has a directional effect on improving spatiotemporal gait parameters, which are one of the major secondary effects of recurrent lateral ankle sprains.