Impact of jump rope and balance board training on ankle stability in athletes with chronic ankle sprains

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the effects of jump rope and balance board training on ankle stability in athletes with chronic ankle injuries. Thirty-two university athletes (aged 19–22 years) meeting screening criteria for chronic ankle injuries were randomly assigned to two groups: one undergoing jump rope training (n = 16, age 20.38 ± 1.15 years, height 164.63 ± 8.50 cm, weight 60.35 ± 10.26 kg, BMI 22.26 ± 3.40 kg/m2) and the other performing balance board training (n = 16, age 20.63 ± 1.09 years, height 168.88 ± 11.18 cm, weight 62.91 ± 8.70 kg, BMI 22.24 ± 3.26 kg/m2). Training sessions were conducted three days per week over 8 weeks. After weeks 4 and 8, the ankle stability test using the star excursion balance test (SEBT) in three directions (anterior, posterolateral, and posteromedial) and ankle angle proprioception showed significant improvements in the jump rope and balance board training groups (p < 0.05). In both groups, SEBT results indicated better ankle stability after weeks 4 and 8 compared to baseline. Additionally, in the balance training group using a BOSU ball, SEBT results revealed significantly greater ankle stability after week 8 than after week 4 (p < 0.05). The findings from this study indicate that both jump rope and balance board training can enhance ankle stability in athletes with chronic ankle sprains. However, coaches and athletic trainers should carefully consider the appropriate form of training. For athletes concerned about the risk of further ankle injury, balance training on a BOSU ball is recommended because it provides a safer option and is more effective in improving ankle stability compared to jump rope training.