Hop Stabilization Training Improves Functional Movement Patterns and Quality of Life in Female Athletes With Chronic Ankle Instability

CONTEXT: Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a common consequence of a lateral ankle sprain. Sex differences in functional outcomes exist, but there is a lack of female-specific intervention studies. Hop stabilization training is effective in male athletes with CAI but has not been investigated in female athletes. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to describe the effect of hop stabilization exercises on functional movement patterns and patient-reported outcomes in female athletes with CAI. We also compared the current effect sizes with those observed in an all-male cohort following an identical intervention. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Fourteen female CAI participants completed hop stabilization training (age = 25.29 [5.86] y), and 14 female CAI participants were in the control group (age = 24.73 [6.97] y). Inclusion criteria were consistent with the International Ankle Consortium recommendations. The hop stabilization program consisted of three 20-minute sessions per week for 6 weeks. Sessions consisted of increasing foot-to-ground contacts each week until a taper in the final week. Exercise difficulty was also modified throughout the program. Functional movement patterns via the Functional Movement Screen and Fusionetics Scores, dorsiflexion range of motion, and select region-specific patient-reported outcomes were captured. RESULTS: The hop training group (pre: 12.68 [1.32] cm, post: 13.42 [1.35] cm) had a significant improvement (P< .001) in dorsiflexion range of motion relative to the control group (pre: 13.62 [1.22] cm, post: 13.68 [1.16] cm). Hop training also significantly improved (P,<0.01) functional movement patterns and all patient-reported outcomes. Relative to an all-male cohort who previously underwent the same hop stabilization program, the current female cohort demonstrated larger effect sizes, but all 95% CIs overlapped. CONCLUSIONS: A 6-week hop training program significantly improves patient-reported outcomes, dorsiflexion range of motion, and functional movement patterns in female athletes with CAI .