The Effect of a Training Approach Using an Anti-Gravity Treadmill on Improving Strength and Balance in Athletes with Medial Ankle Ligament Tears
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37359/JOPE.V38(SpecialIssue)2026.2360Keywords:
Ankle Injuries, Ligament Injuries, Rehabilitation, Exercise Therapy, TreadmillsAbstract
This study examined the effect of a rehabilitation program using exercises and an anti-gravity treadmill on athletes with partial medial ankle ligament tears. Five athletes underwent eight weeks of training three sessions per week, including walking heel and forefoot exercises and treadmill use with and without anti-gravity support. Pre- and post-tests measured dorsiflexion plantar flexion inversion strength, balance, and single-leg walking. Results showed significant improvements in all measures: dorsiflexion (0.8 → 3.32), plantar flexion (0.9 → 2.7) inversion (0.36 → 3.06) balance (155.2 → 198.6) and single-leg walking (5.94 → 8.5) (p < 0.05). The program effectively enhanced ankle strength stability balance and functional performance. The anti-gravity treadmill enabled safe progressive training, supporting recovery while reducing joint stress. Combining strength, flexibility and balance exercises accelerated rehabilitation, improved motor performance minimized reinjury risk, and emphasized the value of ongoing functional assessment for safe return to sport.
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