Comparing the Impact of Upper Body Control and Core Muscle Stabilization Training on Landing Biomechanics in Individuals with Functional Ankle Instability: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Functional ankle instability (FAI), which is characterized by recurrent ankle sprains and perceived joint instability, arises from various factors contributing to compromised biomechanical control during activities, particularly those involving landing tasks. While current research predominantly addresses lower-extremity and core stabilization interventions for FAI, the contribution of upper body control to landing biomechanics in this population remains insufficiently explored. In this study, 42 participants (19 males, 23 females) with FAI were randomly assigned to either the upper-body control training group (UBCTG) or the core muscle stabilization training group (CMSTG). The groups underwent six-week interventions, with the UBCTG receiving a dynamic core exercise program including upper body control and the CMSTG receiving static core muscle training. Pre- and post-intervention assessments encompassed electromyography of the gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, and peroneus longus, motion analysis of the lower extremities, and ground reaction force (GRF) readings during a single-leg-jump task. Additionally, dynamic balance was assessed using the Y balance test and self-reported measurements of ankle instability were performed. The results showed similar increases in muscle activation, joint movement, and self-reported ankle instability scores within both groups. However, significant between-group differences were observed in terms of knee flexion angle, dynamic balance, and ankle instability scores, favoring the UBCTG. Although the peak vertical GRF significantly decreased and the time to peak vertical GRF increased in both groups, more changes were noted in the UBCTG. Our results demonstrated that dynamic core exercises with additional upper body control training enhance landing biomechanics, dynamic balance, and stability in individuals with FAI. Consequently, we recommend incorporating shoulder girdle exercises, proprioceptive drills, and balance exercises into dynamic core training.

Keywords: core stabilization training; functional ankle instability; landing biomechanics; upper body control.

Figure 1

Motion capture during the single-leg-jump task.

Figure 2

Comparison of muscle activation results within and between groups, * p < 0.05.

Figure 3

Comparison of joint movement results within and between groups, * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.001.

Figure 4

Changes in vertical ground reaction force and the time to peak vertical ground reaction force, * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.001.

Figure 5

Comparison of muscle activation results within and between groups, * p < 0.05.