The Effects of Eyes Open and Eyes Closed Balance Training on Balance Outcome Scores in Individuals Identified as Having Chronic Ankle Instability: A Protocol Paper

Background: Ankle injuries, including ankle sprains, are one of the most common injuries in the United States. Research has found that over $1000 is spent on average when treating sprains, along with recreational activities in addition to the cost of time off of work or school.1-2 Balance training has previously been shown to be an effective form of treatment for chronic ankle instability.6 The removal of visual input is often a progression used in clinical settings when performing balance training, however there is a gap in the literature regarding the efficacy of eyes closed balance training when compared to eyes open balance training. Objective: The goal of this study is to determine whether balance training performed with eyes open or closed leads to a greater improvement functional outcome scores in those with chronic ankle instability. Design: This randomized controlled trial will utilize 2x2 independent-measures experimental design. The independent variables are group (eyes open/eyes closed) and time (pre/post intervention). Setting: This study will take place at Misericordia University in Dallas, Pennsylvania. Participants: Participants will be students at Misericordia University between the ages of 18-29 with Chronic Ankle Instability that qualify with the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Interventions: This randomized controlled trial will utilize 2x2 independent-measures experimental design. The independent variables are group (eyes open/eyes closed) and time (pre/post intervention). Measures: Objective measures include SEBT and BESS Test and are conducted by blinded physical therapists. Subjective measures include the FAAM and FAAM-Sport. Outcome measures are performed before and after the 6 week balance protocol. Outcome measures will be analyzed to determine if a significant difference exists. Limitations: Limitations to this study include the lack of a control group, potential difficulties in recruitment of an ample number of subjects, and the logistics of having other licensed physical therapists perform the same outcome measures pre and post balance training interventions. Conclusions: The results of this study will help physical therapists make informed decisions when progressing balance interventions.https://digitalcommons.misericordia.edu/research_posters2020/1032/thumbnail.jp