SFE training significantly improves proprioception and dynamic balance in patients with CAI who have experienced recurrent ankle sprains, and it was more effective than PSE training. Inclusion of SFEs could accelerate recovery from ankle sprains and prevent the development of CAI, as well as facilitating a faster return to activities of everyday life and sports.

As per an analysis conducted by the investigators of Graduate School of Sahmyook University and Sahmyook University, people with chronic ankle instability (CAI) and who experience recurrent ankle sprains showed improved proprioception and dynamic balance with the introduction of short-foot exercise (SFE) training.

A total of 30 participants were selected as per the selection criteria for CAI and categorized into two groups; SFE and proprioceptive sensory exercise (PSE). The interventions were performed three times a week for eight weeks. Assessment of dynamic balance, ankle instability assessment, and somatosensory of joint position sense and vibration sensory thresholds were done before and following the treatment using a repeated-measures analysis of variance.

Eversion joint position sense, vibration sensory threshold, and ankle instability, all improved in more significant ways via SFE. Further, as per anterior-posterior, mediolateral, and overall index the SFE group, SFE also showed improved balance index. These findings reflect SFE as a more reliable approach as compared to the PSE to improve ankle instability.