ABSTRACT

Background: Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI) often develops following recurrent lateral ankle sprains, particularly in footballers exposed to high-impact multidirectional movements. It is associated with mechanical laxity, functional instability, proprioceptive deficits, and recurrent injuries, which impair performance and increase long-term disability risk. Rehabilitation commonly targets neuromuscular control, with Short Foot Exercises (SFE) improving intrinsic foot muscle activation and Eccentric Training (ET) strengthening muscle-tendon units. However, comparative evidence in athletic populations remains scarce. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of SFE and ET in improving ankle stability am ong footballers with CAI. Methods: Forty male footballers (18–30 years) with unilateral CAI were randomized into two groups (n=20). Group A performed SFE, while Group B followed Alfredson’s eccentric heel-drop program targeting the gastrocnemius-soleus and peroneal muscles. Interventions were conducted for eight weeks. Outcome measures included the Navicular Drop Test (NDT), Foot Posture Index (FPI), andFunctional Foot Index (FFI), assessed pre- and post-intervention. Statistical analysis used paired and independent t-tests. Results: Both groups demonstrated significant within-group improvements (p<0.001). Between groups, ET produced greater improvements in navicular drop (p=0.007) and functional performance (p=0.02), while FPI changes were not significant (p=0.08). Conclusion: Both interventions effectively improved ankle stability and foot function in footballers with CAI. However, eccentric training showed superior outcomes in dynamic control and functional performance. Integrating eccentric loading and intrinsic foot strengthening may enhance rehabilitation and injury prevention in high-demand sports settings. Keywords: Chronic ankle instability, footballers, short foot exercises, eccentric training, navicular drop, functional rehabilitation
Publication date: 01/08/2026

https://www.ijbpas.com/pdf/2026/August/MS_IJBPAS_2026_10383.pdf

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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2026/15.8.10383