Background and aim:

Ankle sprain is one of the most common lower extremity injuries and can lead to functional ankle instability (FAI). This condition is associated with proprioceptive deficits, reduced muscle strength, and impaired balance. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) exercises on improving ankle proprioception in athletes with functional ankle instability.

Methods:

Fifty athletes with functional ankle instability were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Ankle proprioception in inversion and eversion was assessed using a specialized ankle goniometer, while dorsiflexion and plantarflexion proprioception were measured through active angle reproduction using imaging techniques and AutoCAD software. The experimental group performed DNS exercises for six weeks (three sessions per week), focusing on core muscle activation and neuromuscular coordination. The control group did not participate in any comparable intervention. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) in SPSS version 26.

Results:

The findings demonstrated that DNS exercises significantly reduced angle reproduction error in dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, and eversion in the experimental group compared with the control group (p < 0.05). These exercises improved neuromuscular coordination and efficiency, thereby enhancing ankle joint proprioception.

Conclusion:

DNS exercises, by increasing the activation of stabilizing muscles and promoting optimal alignment within the kinetic chain, play an effective role in improving proprioception and reducing functional ankle instability. These exercises can be recommended as part of rehabilitation programs for athletes with this condition.