Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41771785›Full record

SynthesisJournal of foot and ankle research2026

Exercise Therapy for Chronic Ankle Instability: Which Modality for Which Deficit? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Jia Sheng Xu, Hui Juan Lin, Zhi Kun Li, Zi Long Wang, Chao Fan, Hui Fang Chen, Di Xie

Abstract readSystematic ReviewMeta-Analysis
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Journal of foot and ankle research, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.

  1. Pooled it
  2. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Jia Sheng XuUniversity of Sports and Health, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, China.
Hui Juan LinUniversity of Sports and Health, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, China.
Zhi Kun LiUniversity of Xiamen, Xiamen, China.
Zi Long WangUniversity of Sports and Health, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, China.
Chao FanUniversity of Sports and Health, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, China.
Hui Fang ChenUniversity of Guangzhou Medical, Guangzhou, China.
Di XieUniversity of Sports and Health, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, China.

Funding

Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation of Guangdong Province 2024A1515010442
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectiveChronic ankle instability (CAI) involves heterogeneous sensorimotor deficits. Evidence comparing exercise modalities for specific deficits is limited, impeding personalised rehabilitation. To determine the relative efficacy of exercise interventions and create an evidence-based framework for deficit-specific prescription in CAI.

designSystematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: Searches of 9 electronic databases from inception to 1 September 2025. STUDY SELECTION: Randomised controlled trials comparing exercise interventions against no intervention for sensorimotor outcomes in CAI individuals. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Two reviewers independently conducted the screening, and will independently extract the data into an Excel spreadsheet. Methodological quality was assessed using PEDro criteria, and bias analysis was conducted using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2. Sensitivity analysis and I

resultsFifty-eight studies (n = 2097) were included. Of the included studies, 28 were rated as low risk of bias, 19 as unclear risk and 11 as high risk. Balance training provided comprehensive benefits, improving patient-reported function, dynamic balance, joint position sense, concentric strength and functional performance. Strength training enhanced patient-reported function, dynamic balance and concentric strength. 3D, stroboscopic and neuromuscular training improved patient-reported function and dynamic balance; stroboscopic training also benefited joint position sense. Vibration training improved only dynamic balance. No interventions significantly improved force sense or eccentric strength.

conclusionExercise modalities have distinct efficacy profiles in CAI. Balance training is foundational, but therapy can be personalised by framework optimises management.

trial registrationThis systematic review was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42024606683).

Indexed as

Ankle JointExercise TherapyJoint InstabilityChronic DiseaseHumansPostural BalanceRandomized Controlled Trials as TopicTreatment Outcomeankle instabilityclinical frameworkexercise intervention

Identifiers

PMID41771785
PMCPMC12953057

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.