Research summary · Recovery and rehabilitation
Dual-task ankle rehabilitation: promising changes, limited between-group superiority
A trial compared eight weeks of cognitive-motor dual-task training with balance training alone in 40 people with chronic ankle instability, with 20 allocated to each group. Testing covered static balance, dynamic balance and hopping under dual-task conditions.
- Publication year
- 2026
- First published online
- Publication type
- Single-blinded randomized controlled trial
- Journal
- American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
- Population / context
- Ankle rehabilitation · Multiple sports
What the publication reports
Changes over time differed between groups for time in balance, anterior and composite Star Excursion Balance Test scores, and two hop tests. However, post-intervention between-group comparisons were significant only for the composite balance score (p=0.033), not the other outcomes. The distinction matters: significant interaction tests did not translate into consistent superiority at the final assessment.
Limits and interpretation
The sample was small and follow-up covered only the intervention period. Balance and hop tests do not establish reduced recurrent sprains or successful return to competition. Larger trials are needed before claiming broad clinical superiority.
Read the source
Consult the original record for the full author list, methods, references, funding and competing-interest disclosures.
Effects of Dual-Task Training on Dual-task Performance in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Original publication / indexed recordPMID: 42908066DOI: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000003182Reader discussion
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