Six Weeks of Strength and Proprioception Training Does Not Affect Muscle Fatigue and Static Balance in Functional Ankle Instability

Context: The combined effects of strength and proprioception training, especially in individuals with ankle instability, have not been studied extensively. Objective: To examine the influence of 6 weeks of strength and proprioception training on measures of muscle fatigue and static balance in those with unilateral functional ankle instability (FAI). Design: Pretest–posttest, randomized groups. Setting: A climate-controlled sports-medicine research laboratory. Subjects: 38 subjects with self-reported unilateral FAI. Measurements: Muscle fatigue was determined using the median power frequency ( f med ) from an electromyographic signal, and static balance was assessed using center-of-pressure values obtained from a triaxial force plate. Results: There were no significant effects of the strength or proprioception training on our measures of muscle fatigue and static balance. Conclusions: Strength training, proprioception training, and the combination of the 2 failed to improve postural-stability characteristics in a group of subjects with FAI.